Richard Charles Senelick

Richard Charles Senelick, MD, known as “Gramps,” lived a wonderful life and leaves behind a legacy he can be proud of. Born on September 9, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, his family was his number one pride and joy. He loved them with all his heart.

He was an esteemed physician and healer with a magnetic force that drew patients, colleagues, and friends to him. Those who knew him would agree that he always had a plan, and in true form, he chose to write his own obituary. So here we go…

It should surprise no one that I wrote my own obituary. I chose the photo, and I think I left enough money behind to have a nice spread in the Sunday paper.

First, a few demographic facts. No one is really interested—certainly not me—in where I went to school, organizations I joined, or awards I received. That only leaves you wondering if I got any. My older brother is the smart one who went to Harvard and got enough awards for both of us.

I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in May 2017. A real surprise, as cancer was never on my radar screen. As expected, it finally got the better of me.

For those who might suggest I have gone to a “better place,” you don’t know me at all. What could be better than Sunday dinners with my son, his wife, my three grandchildren, and my wife Anne, sitting around the table fighting for the “talking spoon” to get the floor and a word in? We are not a quiet family. Prior to this unfortunate turn of events, my family would tell me they had to hold the phone a foot away when talking to me. No longer a problem, as my vocal volume has been reduced over the years.

I met my wife of 57 years, Annie, in Chicago while I was a freshman at the University College of Medicine. One would expect me to say only nice things, and that comes easy when talking about Anne. I was instantly “smitten.” She took a while. I have always felt that I am an “acquired taste.” I can see her shaking her head and thinking she was trying to acquire that taste right up to the end. So to those who stood by me and were real friends—thank you. To those who never acquired the taste, you can stop reading at this point.

As for legacies, I believe that after we die we exist for two generations—our children and our grandchildren. After that, even the memories are just vapor. I threw away all the silly plastic awards that cluttered my office. The books and articles are not a legacy. After I was diagnosed with cancer and most of my life was in the rearview mirror, I could see clearly what I wanted my legacy to be.

First, to show my family how to live a good, decent, and honest life. I did the best I could with the tools that I had. Second, to show them how to handle a serious illness: be resilient and grateful for the life you have. And finally, to demonstrate how to handle dying with dignity.

I feel confident that my son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren will continue the legacy Annie and I created and will pass that knowledge down to their children and grandchildren. They will create their own legacies.

Richard was preceded in death by his loving wife of 57 years, Anne Ketchie Senelick.

He is survived by his son, Greg Senelick; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Senelick; and the grandchildren he adored with all his heart: Kaitlyn Senelick, Lauren Senelick, and Chase Senelick. He is also survived by his older brother, Laurence Senelick; sisters-in-law Karen Kupchyk (Dan) and Dee Dee Polk (Ed); nephew Bill Davidson; and grandniece Kimberly Alcocer.

He will be deeply missed and leaves a hole in all our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Blood & Tissue Foundation for the collection and administration of blood products in memory of Richard Senelick: https://biobridgeglobal.org/foundation/