Richard J. “Dick” McCann, of Wheaton, passed away peacefully in his home March 12. He was 73.

Mr. McCann was born and raised in DeKalb, Ill. He was married to his loving wife, Lynn for 53 years. They were blessed with five children and eight grandchildren.

Mr. McCann treasured the many hours he spent with his family boating, flying, fishing, tinkering with old cars and gardening. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren play, compete and perform. His greatest joy was being a husband, father and grandfather and leading his family fearlessly on many fun-filled adventures.

In 1967, with $1,500 borrowed from his father-in-law, Mr. McCann started McCann Construction Specialties Company in a one-car garage in Villa Park, Ill. Today, the company is called McCann Industries Inc., with seven locations in the Greater Chicagoland area.

“Dick will be missed by everyone at McCann,” said McCann Chief Executive Officer Dennis Kruepke.

“He was not only a successful business man, he also touched many hearts and made a difference in so many positive ways. This strong legacy and business philosophy will live on,” he added.

Mr. McCann held positions of significance including president of Associated Construction Distributors International, president of Illinois Equipment Distributors and board positions on the Underground Contractors Association and Concrete Contractors Association of Greater Chicago; and Boy Scouts of America, Three Fires Council. Mr. McCann’s legacy of a solid work ethic and moral integrity can be seen throughout the business today.

Mr. McCann cherished his memories of scouting, where his mother, Gladys, was his den leader. His scouting experience instilled in him a love for adventure and the great outdoors. He developed a spirit of perseverance, loyalty, and determination. It grounded in him the strong moral compass that made him the man of integrity those that knew him remember today.

Mr. McCann’s love, generosity and leadership have left an indelible mark on countless people for generations to come. Of note is his passion for the Cub Scout Adventure Camp, a 500-acre facility located north of Rochelle, Ill., where Lake Gladys is dedicated to his mother.

He was the loving husband of Lynn J. McCann (nee Saberson); beloved father of the late Michael J., Theresa L. (David M.) Bagley, Kathlean J. (Thomas E.) Heller, Sheryl (Randall R.) Tucker, and James J. (Jill St. Clair-McCann); dear grandfather of Meghan L., Erin E., and Alexander D. Bagley, Erica K., Daniel J., and Joshua T., Heller, Michael R., and Maxwell J., McCann; fond brother of Lynn A. (Mary) McCann, and brother-in-law of Lee A. (Barb) Saberson. He was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth J. and Gladys R. McCann, and sister-in-law Judith McCann. He was a generous supporter of numerous charitable causes. In lieu of flowers family requests honorariums to the Richard J. McCann fund c/o Boy Scouts of America National Foundation P.O. Box 152079 Irving, TX. 75015.

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