Ryan N. Richardson - 39

Chicago Heights, Illinois

It is with great sadness that we announce that Ryan Richardson of Chicago Heights, IL passed away on May 2, 2026, at the far too young age of 37.  Ryan is survived by his parents, Randy and Mary Beth Schafer Richardson and his two younger brothers Zachary and Matthew Richardson, all of Sedona, AZ, and his older brother Jason Richardson of Indianapolis.  Ryan is also survived by aunts and uncles Carole Smith, TC Schafer (Christopher Lewers), John Schafer (Allison), and Michael Schafer, cherished cousins Caitlin, Kelly, Riley, Justin and Dylan Lewers, Eric Schafer, the late Jennifer Schafer, Anthony and Lisa Smith, Chris and Debbie Gill, and “nephew” Cayden Lewers. Ryan was the adored grandson of the late Lois Richardson (Bernard) and the late Theodore and Catherine Schafer, and is survived by great aunt and uncle, Ann and Jack Moody, his beloved pup Domino, and countless dear friends.

Ryan was born in Lincoln Park and moved with his family to the red rocks of Sedona, Arizona when he was four years old.  Ryan attended and graduated from Red Rock High School in Sedona, where he made countless friends, friendships he maintained throughout his lifetime.  Ryan touched so many lives deeply and loved and supported his friends to no end.  Ryan developed a lifelong love of music, dancing, movies, running 5K’s and hiking throughout Sedona.  Ryan attended college at ASU with many old friends and made lots of new friends there as well.             

Ryan moved to Illinois after college.  Ryan began working at TF South High School before 2013 as a dean’s assistant where he worked for over a decade and was a cherished member of the TF South community. Ryan was most proud of leading the Men of Character mentoring program.  Continuing his commitment to public service, Ryan worked at Best Buddies for 8 months over the past year, inspired by over a decade of helping his grandparents with his intellectually disabled uncle Michael. 

In his role at TF South, Ryan’s colleagues described him as an exceptional leader who demonstrated effective interpersonal communication, collaboration, problem-solving, creativity, compassion, and dedication to his team and his responsibilities.  Colleagues also highlighted his outgoing, energetic and encouraging nature.  It has been said that Ryan had an easy-going, empathetic approach and tirelessly worked to make others feel comfortable and feel like they belong, whether they were star athletes, timid freshman, students with intellectual disabilities, AP scholars, or individuals with past trauma.  Ryan volunteered to support the students in so many extra-curricular activities over the years, including countless proms, talent shows, and athletic activities.     

Ryan’s engaging and charismatic personality endeared him to all who knew him.  He had a huge heart and positively impacted all those he came in contact with.  His very bright light and caring nature will be greatly missed.

Memorial visitation at Panozzo Bros. Funeral Home, 530 W. 14th St. (US Rt 30, 3 blks E of Western Ave), Chicago Heights on Friday, May 15, 2026 from 4:00 PM until Memorial Services 8:00 PM.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ryan’s name to St.Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105-9959 (www.stjude.org/donate) would be appreciated by the Richardson family.