Richard "Dick" G. Fox

Richard (Dick) Fox passed away peacefully in his home on October 9, 2025 at the age of 82. Born in Michigan City, Indiana in 1943 to Mildred Allison Blue and Edward Craig Fox, he grew up in a working class family in a diverse neighborhood. Richard was, above all things, a kind soul. He was a lifelong volunteer, driven by the purpose of ensuring that others could get a little bit closer to having what they needed. He was a child psychologist and professor of exceptional education by trade and, even though he disliked the politics, he made a lasting impact on his students, specifically a particular student with a fancy hat. His sense of humor included lots of middle fingers, condoms for senior friends, and silly irony.

Richard leaves behind a loving wife of 49 years and source of grounding strength (Cathy Fox, née Close); a daughter in his image (Hannah Fox); an unlikely best friend (Bartolomeu Araujo); a son who didn’t quite understand him but received his compassion through thick and thin (Zachariah Fox); a sister who looked up to him and tolerated his strange quirks (Patricia Burch, née Fox); a goofy brother-in-law who could really get on his lovely, weird level (Ron Burch); a niece who might be following in their footsteps (Allison “Annie” Burch); a brother-in-law in whom he found deep respect and intellectual compatibility (Brian Close); and many nieces, nephews, cousins, colleagues, and friends.

He was not well understood by everyone, as he had to keep up some protective walls for his kind and beautiful soul, for he did not have the easiest life. For the ones who truly saw him, he taught them to love more fully and care more deeply for other humans and beings in general. Richard knew on a deep level that every person has a story, and showed enough care and curiosity to make a person feel seen on their own unique path. As a humanist Christian and Buddhist, he taught others around him to see the value in every creature, big and small. He loved nature and sought connection in her as much as he did in his neighbors and those with whom he built community for so many years. He was admittedly (sometimes too) critical, of himself and others, but always with the intention to nurture growth and seek improvement. His departure leaves a great absence, but also maintains space for those who have learned from him to continue on, making the best of the present moment and remembering to share love and kindness with others regardless of circumstance.

The visitation will be held on Friday, October 24th from 4:00pm until a time of sharing at 6:30pm at Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral Home at 1110 S. Grand Avenue Waukesha, WI 53186. The funeral will be at St. Matthias Episcopal Church at 111 E Main St, Waukesha, WI 53186 on Saturday, October 25 at 11am, followed by a luncheon onsite. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to James Place or the American Cancer Society.