Dr. Richard Dean Bazzetta, age, 95 of Champaign, formerly of Salem, died on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at his home in Champaign.
He was born on April 2, 1930, in Herrin, the son of Alex and Vera (Visconti) Bazzetta. He was the beloved husband of Joan (Ruthmann) Bazzetta and together they shared 65 years, and she survives.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Marie Therese Jones and husband Steven and Stephen Bazzetta and wife Sharon; grandchildren, Wiley Jones and wife Leighy, Matthew Jones, Sean Bazzetta, Joseph Bazzetta, and Allison Bazzetta; great-granddaughter, Harper Marie Jones; sister, Louise Groves; sisters-in-law, Sr. Marie Therese Ruthmann VHM (Deceased) and Rita Foral; brother-in-law, Stephen Ruthmann; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Richard Bazzetta.
Dick was raised in Carterville, IL; received his Bachelor of Arts from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale; served in the Signal Corps of the U.S. Army in Germany; graduated from St. Louis University School of Dentistry; practiced dentistry in Herrin, IL and then Salem, IL for 34 years. He was involved in the Salem community in leadership positions, such as, District 111 Grade School Board of Education, St. Theresa’s School Board and Parish Council, Lions Club President, Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus, Boy Scouts of America, American Legion, and as a Salem Community High School Scholastic Bowl mentor.
Dick enjoyed gardening, traveling, singing in the barbershop quartet, attending performances at the University of Illinois Krannert Center and Illini football games, and being with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling with his wife Joan extensively with Italy being their favorite memory. He will be lovingly remembered as a gentle man of unfailing good humor and patience, an optimist who found joy and blessings in life.
Dick was a devout Catholic all of his life. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Noon at the Saint Matthew Catholic Church, 1303 Lincolnshire Dr., Champaign, Illinois with Father Johndamaseni Zilimu officiating. A time of visitation will be held at the church from 11:00 am until the time of Mass. For those who wish, memorial contributions can be made for Mass intentions through Saint Matthews Church or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Interment will be held at Oakwood Cemetery in Carterville, on Friday, July 25, 2025, at Noon, where Military Rites will be accorded by the Carterville American Legion. Crouse Funeral Home in Salem is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.CrouseFH.com.