Dr. Richard Neal Placek, MD, beloved husband, father, grandfather, physician, and friend, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 20, 2026, in Lakeland, Florida, after a nearly three-year battle with pancreatic cancer, with the love of his life by his side. He was 75 years old. Throughout his illness, Richard demonstrated the same strength, dignity, resilience, and compassion that defined his life and career.

Richard was born on May 8, 1951, in Clayton, Missouri, to Willard James Placek and Dorothy Marie Fernandez Placek. He was raised in Belleville, Illinois, where he developed a lifelong love of learning and a deep commitment to helping others.

Richard's educational journey reflected his determination and passion for medicine. He earned his Registered Nursing degree from Belleville Area College and later obtained a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Physiology from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. In 1976, he went on to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist through Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, Maine, before fulfilling his dream of becoming a physician. He graduated from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in 1984 and dedicated his career to the field of anesthesiology, where he cared for countless patients with skill, kindness, and professionalism.

One of Richard's greatest blessings was his marriage to Deborah Ann Provost Placek. They met in 1975 and were married on August 26, 1978, beginning a partnership that would span nearly five decades. Their life together was marked by unwavering love, faith, devotion to family, and a steadfast commitment to supporting one another through every joy and challenge. Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Deborah Ann Provost Placek; his children, Travis Placek, Kristen Placek Pinner and her husband, Ty Pinner, and Meghan Placek; and his cherished grandchildren, Tyson, Kamryn, Jessina, and Kristina, who brought immeasurable joy to his life. He is also survived by his sister, Dorothy "Penny" Schmidt; her husband, Harold Schmidt; and their children, Chuck, Steve, and Sarah. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willard James Placek and Dorothy Marie Fernandez Placek, and his brother, James Willard Placek. He is also survived by his nephews, Colin, Christopher, and Kele, the sons of his late brother. Richard is also lovingly remembered by many cousins and dear friends whose lives were enriched by his kindness and generosity.

A man of many interests, Richard found happiness in spending time on Beech Hill Pond, scuba diving, playing his bass guitar, and traveling. While he enjoyed exploring the world, his greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren and creating lasting memories with those he loved.

Richard's Catholic faith guided his life and his interactions with others. He will be remembered for his compassionate heart, his willingness to help anyone in need, his dedication to healing, and the genuine kindness he extended to friends, family, colleagues, and patients alike.

His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the family he cherished, and the example he set through a life of service, integrity, and love. A Mass celebrating Richard's life will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Lakeland, Florida, on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., and will also be livestreamed. More details will be provided closer to the service. Family and friends are invited to attend and honor his memory. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to pancreatic cancer research in Richard's memory, helping advance research into the disease he faced with such courage and grace. Richard will be deeply missed and forever remembered.