Rich Chearo, a beloved friend, leader, and longtime figure in the local small-business community, has passed away, leaving family, friends, employees, customers, and many others mourning his loss in New Lenox, Illinois.
According to a heartfelt message shared by Colleen, Rich died early in the morning surrounded by loved ones. She said he was comfortable and died with dignity, describing him as a fearless leader and a person who wholeheartedly demonstrated what it meant to put his best foot forward while serving others.
Rich’s legacy was closely connected to the restaurant business and the community built around Rich’s Pizza Joint & Fattys. For 18 years, the business became more than a place where people came to eat. It was described as a gathering place where friends met, families shared meals, people celebrated milestones, and customers found a sense of belonging.
The journey included the original Tinley Park location, which operated from 2008 to 2019, before the business faced significant challenges and eventually relocated following a major increase in rent. Through those changes, the business continued to emphasize quality, service, creativity, resilience, and connection with its customers.
Rich’s Pizza Joint & Fattys became known for its Chicago thin pizza, handcrafted dough, specialty pizzas, and the signature “Fatty” creations. Among the offerings highlighted in the tribute were the Big Fatty, Mother Clucker, Double Trouble, and Birria Fatty.
The tribute to Rich also reflected on the difficult realities of entrepreneurship, including rising costs, repairs, staffing challenges, unexpected setbacks, and the determination required to keep moving forward.
For those who knew him, however, Rich’s impact extended well beyond the restaurant. He was remembered as a leader, friend, and someone who valued serving others and creating meaningful connections.
As news of his passing spreads, friends, loved ones, and members of the community are mourning a man whose life was deeply intertwined with the people and small-business community he served.
“Rest in peace” was the heartfelt message shared by Colleen, who expressed gratitude for Rich’s friendship, leadership, and the memories he leaves behind.
