Richard James Ware, 89, died on Jan. 22, 2026. Born in Muscatine, Iowa, son of the late James Melvin Ware and Melva (Faulhaber) Margaret Ware, he graduated from Muscatine High School in 1955 where he played baseball and basketball. The highlight reel of Dick’s athletic career began with back-to-back conference titles in basketball for the Muscatine Muskies. The 1954 team was crowned Iowa State Champs, a memory for the ages. Highly competitive, he continued his athletic career at Muscatine Jr. College, where he and his teammates won yet another state championship, and he was named All-State. At Iowa State Teachers College (ISTC) he earned his degree in teaching mathematics, graduating in 1959. He played baseball for ISTC and the team went on to the NCAA College World Series, one game away from playing for the National Championship. Always humble and matter of fact, he gave luck a lot of credit for his athletic success.
During his senior year he met his future wife, Betty Hammer, during a snowball fight on the commons. He spotted her because she could throw like a guy. Their courtship was short, but they were married for 66 years. They left the Midwest for a year while he earned his Master of Mathematics degree from the University of South Carolina. Then they lived on Kemman Avenue in La Grange Park, raising a family, teaching and coaching at Riverside Brookfield High School, playing bridge, bowling, and, of course, fishing.
His love of fishing, with family and the best friends a man could have, beat all. A fanatic from the beginning with his father, brother and uncle on the Mississippi River, and fortunate to have a wife who also loved to fish, he knew he had it made.
His wonderful life will long be cherished by his family and friends. He will be remembered for his concern for others, dedication to family, sense of fair play, and as a mentor to many, living by the golden rule.
Richard was the husband of Betty Lou Ware (nee Hammer); father of Wendy (John) Polisini and James (Jennifer) Ware; grandfather of Jack (Alex) Polisini, Samuel Polisini, Joshua Ware and Korissa Ware; great-grandfather of Murphy Polisini and Quinn Polisini; and the brother of the late Edward (Deanna) Ware and Judith (the late William) Evans.
His family expresses sincere gratitude for the help and care given by the staff at Aspired Living of La Grange and services from Family Paramount Hospice.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Hitzeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 9445 31st St., Brookfield. Interment Private.
