Richard Alan Marcotte, 1943 - 2016 Richard Marcotte spent his life entertaining others. He reached the masses as a pioneer in radio and television, connecting with countless individuals through his infectious love of life and engaging sense of humor. Born to parents Elmire and former Kankakee County Sheriff Yvon, Rich started his broadcast career at WKAN-AM in Kankakee, IL. Gathering donated equipment from local radio stations in the Quad Cities, Rich founded St. Ambrose Universitys KSAR (now KALA) so that he could play emerging Rock and Roll music in 1962. The station is currently in its 55th year. While at WRAJ-AM in Anna, Il., on November 22, 1963, Rich and media trailblazer Don Michel were among the first in the nation to broadcast news of President Kennedys assassination. Using newly available direct dial phone service, they captured an emergency room conversation with the admitting nurse at Parkland Hospital as the President entered, and followed with conversations of Dallas Police Department officers as Lee Harvey Oswald was taken into custody. WRAJs Associated Press newswire of the assassination is on display at the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza in Dallas. During the Vietnam War, Rich served the country in his own special way. Stationed in Panama and Korea, he spun rock records on his daily radio show and delivered TV news through the Armed Forces Network. He created "The Grandpa McCorn" television show to entertain troops and their children in the Canal Zone, featuring guests such as Tippi Hedren and "Captain Kangaroos" Bob Keeshin. Following TV news reporting and anchor work at KROC in Rochester, MN, and WDAU in Scranton, PA, Rich moved to the Chicago area and established the news department for WFBN-TV. Disappointed that television news focused too heavily on human failures, his regular feature "Diamonds in the Rough" celebrated the unsung successes of everyday Chicagoans. As WFBN-TV changed format, Rich became an area voiceover actor and public address announcer. Mayor Richard M. Daley recognized Rich in 2001for 25 years of service as the Voice of Tennis in Chicago. Through professional events such as the Avon Championships, Volvo Tennis and Nuveen Championships, Rich introduced Chicagoans to up-and-coming stars such as Martina Navratilova, the Williams sisters and Northwestern Universitys Todd Martin. He also welcomed legends John McEnroe, Chris Evert and Jimmy Connors to the Windy City. Along with his voice work, Rich traveled the country in sales roles and became Southwest Airlines top traveler through Midway Airport. Gate agents gave him the honorary title "Mayor of Midway" for his avid customer ambassadorship. Rich spent his retirement as a golf starter at University Park and Deer Creek golf courses. He served the community throughout his life working with South Suburban PADS, co-announcing the Park Forest Scenic Ten Mile road race with Chicago Marathon announcer Mel Muchnik, and providing elder care services for Home Helpers in Park Forest. In addition to his wife Janis (nee Mattson), Rich is survived by sons Scot (wife Sarah), Jason (wife Alison) and Eric; grandchildren Rachel, Gavin, Stephanie and Rhys; brothers James and Ronald; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Rich passed away peacefully on August 6, surrounded by family and friends. He was 72. He will be lying in state Thursday, August 10th from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service of 10:30 a.m. at St. Lawrence OToole Church in Matteson, Illinois. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to 21CD (http://21stcenturydads.org/donate/), an organization that raises awareness for the importance of fathers and support for fatherhood programs. A loving father and doting grandfather himself, Rich epitomized what a great dad should be. Service Information Cemetery Private private private, IL 60466 --> Visitation Thursday August 11, 2016 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM St. Lawrence O'Toole Church 214th St. & Governors Hwy Matteson, IL --> Service Thursday August 11, 2016 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM St. Lawrence O'Toole Church 214th St. & Governors Hwy Matteson, IL -->