Richard worked in the automotive industry for 40 plus years of his life. There was not a car part that he didn’t know or how to fix. Many came to Richard over the years with numerous car questions where he gladly had a solution along with a joke and a smile and most likely a beer. Richard’s love for woodworking was beyond most people’s imagination. He always had a “project” going on in the basement for either Linda or any of their friends. As Linda would say, “Oh, Richard can make that for you.” He and Linda enjoyed their monthly visits with Tim and always loved going for rides out to the family clubhouse.
During his retirement years, he enjoyed many rounds of golf with friends and especially enjoyed the 19th hole. He and Linda also enjoyed traveling, especially to see their daughter and son-in-law in Arizona. Lance and Natalie always had a “to do” list waiting for his arrival.
In January of 2023, after being diagnosed with a rare form of Lymphoma, Richard moved out to Arizona to live with Lance and Natalie to undergo extensive cancer treatment. A very special thank you to his team of doctors, including Dr Rishi Agarwal, oncologist at Virginia G Piper Cancer Center in Scottsdale.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 48 years, Linda M. Sintzel, whom he married on August 11, 1972, and who died on January 2, 2021; his parents, Dr. Alois R. and Dorothy Sintzel; Linda’s parents, Walter and Rose Luberda, a brother, John Sintzel; and a brother-in-law, Thomas Luberda.
Surviving are a daughter, Natalie (Lance) Stafko of Scottsdale, AZ; a son, Timothy R. Sintzel of Centralia, IL; a granddaughter, Allyson (Thomas) Hundley of Granite City, IL; a great grandson, Harvey Hundley; three sisters, Mary Margaret Sintzel, Theresa (Oscar) Ubilluz and Kate (Jeff) Elder; two brothers, Thomas (Barb) Sintzel and Joseph (Sheri) Sintzel; two sisters-in-law, Linda Luberda and Rosemarie Sintzel; brother-in-law, Joe Luberda; numerous nieces and nephews; and beloved grand puppies, Brinley and Briley.
Memorials may be made to Natalie Stafko, c/o Renner Funeral Home, 120 North Illinois Street, Belleville, IL, 62220, for Tim’s continued care at his amazing group home in Centralia, IL. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at St. Teresa Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, with Fr. Joseph Oganda officiating.
Burial will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery, Freeburg, IL.