Richard Raymond Fahey Jr age 73, passed away peacefully at home on Dec 2nd surrounded by family following a brave and courageous battle against cancer. He was born to Richard and Eleanore Fahey in Chicago Illinois on 5/4/1947. He was the youngest of 3, having two sisters Loretta and Barbara. He attended Prosser high school in Chicago and then attended UIC-Circle and played football there for 4 years. After graduating college, he taught Phy. Ed and coached football at UICC for 4 years before moving to Sturgeon Bay in 1974
Rich met the love of his life in 6th grade. Her name was Cathy Christiansen. They became childhood sweethearts who then went on to marry on July 27, 1968 in Chicago. Together they had 2 children Richard and Katie. Rich enjoyed spending his free time golfing, working in the yard/garden, traveling with Cathy, watching sports—Go Chicago Bears and Cubs, and watching his grandchildren’s sporting events or dance recitals.
Rich was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, parents-in-law, Ray and Mae Christiansen, brothers-in-law, Jay, Chris and Tom. Rich is survived by his wife, son Richard Fahey III , daughter Katie (Dave) Neinas, and grandchildren Lacey (Markus) Gudel, Kylie, Charlie and Tyler Neinas, and great grandson, Rowan Gudel. He was affectionately called Papa from the grandchildren, and his new title was Poppee from Rowan. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Betty Ann Christiansen, and nieces and nephews.
Rich was employed at Southern Door High School where he spent over 30 years teaching history, special Ed and drivers Ed. He loved teaching and connecting with the kids. He was also a member of the football coaching staff. “Eye of the tiger” was his game mentality. He fondly remembers his coaching experience and loved working with all the students and coaches. He didn’t always have a winning season, but he said he wouldn’t change a thing as the players and their families were wonderful, hardworking people. One football memory that stood out to him was coaching the Wisconsin all-star shrine game in 1998 and beating the South 17-7. Tony Romo was on the opposite team, and did throw a touchdown against dad’s defense, but the North still won.
Shortly after he retired teaching in 2011 Rich and Cathy moved to Branson, Missouri. His love of football brought him back to coaching. He volunteered as assistant coach for the Branson Pirates High school football team. He always loved spending time with Cathy, but their time in Branson was very special. They loved living in Branson, enjoyed the weather, all the live shows and entertainment, going on the Branson Belle and just being together. However, they missed their family so they moved back home so they could be closer to them and so they could enjoy watching their grandkids play sports again.
If Rich could say 1 more thing to say to his grandkids it would be “See ya later, Alligator”. “Monkey See”. “Chickee” and “1st and”
Rich wanted to thank his fellow teachers he had the privilege of working with. He told us many times what a great group of people they were, which made teaching even more enjoyable. He had fun at their golf outings.
I personally want to thank my mom, Cathy for the amazing love the two of them shared. They were great role models, and as my dad said in his final days, “they’ll never be a love as strong as ours”. Mom was the best caregiver for him and took amazing care of him to the very end. I love you both! Dad, you will be greatly missed, but are now pain free and in peace.
