Richard L. Furlong, Class of 1959, Rest In Peace

The Leo Alumni Association was recently notified of the death of Richard L. Furlong of the Class of 1959, by several of his friends and classmates. Rich came to Leo from St. Helen of the Cross Grammar school. According to the Leo Yearbook, Rich participated in the Glee Club while a student at Leo. Despite his simple activity list, Rich often expressed his fondness for his years at Leo. Rich’s love of the school showed through in particular, however, in the years after he graduated. Rich became very involved in the Alumni Association, providing his knowledge and experience as well as expending enormous amounts of time and hard work in helping the Association perform its duties. Under Rich’s leadership, much was done to move the organization forward in the way in which it performed its tasks. Eventually after years of service in several capacities, Rich agreed to serve as Association President from the year 2006 through 2010.

In recognition of his talent and hard work, Rich was awarded the Association’s Man of the Year award in 2004, inducted into the Hall of Fame 2009, and received the Doctor Driscoll Award 2013 and Community Service Award in the year 2020.

One would be correct to assume that Rich was a very well liked and well thought of member of the Association. His even temperament was particularly appreciated by his fellow officers and members. All of the offices Rich held and the awards he received were after nomination by committee and required a vote by membership. The Leo Alumni Association lost a friend in the passing of Richard L. Furlong.

The Leo Alumni Association Appreciates the additional Support Received from Rich’s family as they supported Rich in his many endeavors on behalf of the organization. The entire membership offers its prayers and condolences to Rich’s family and to his close friends and associates at this time. Rich’s obituary and visitation information is available here. At his family’s request, in lieu of flowers, please send donations to Leo High School, 7901 S. Sangamon, Chicago, IL 60620. We will continue to update you with any other information we receive in regard to Rich and his memorial services.