Richard Steve “Rich” Naliborski, 65, owner of Rich’s Rod & Reel Repair in New Athens, IL, was born on May 26, 1953 in Belleville, IL and passed away on Tuesday, January 1, 2019 at the New Athens Home for the Aged in New Athens, IL.  Rich had a 30 year career on the railroad ending as a carman on the Terminal Railroad in Venice, IL. But his 1st love was his rod and reel shop which he operated for 35 years.  He tried to promote fishing by repairing equipment at a reasonable price. “His mission is to keep you fishin”.

Mr. Naliborski was preceded in death by his parents; Sylvester and Rosemary, nee Janowski, Naliborski.

Rich is survived by his wife; Cynthia, nee Will, Naliborski, whom he married in Belleville, in 1979, his children; Samuel (Colleen) Naliborski of Marissa, IL:, Benjamin (Julie) Naliborski of Freeburg, IL, Luke (Heather) Naliborski of Mascoutah, IL, Craig (Crystal) Naliborski of Ballwin, MO, Jessica (Scott) Buchanan of Belleville, IL, and Christiane (Avery) Fields of Bellevillle, IL, his brother; Sylvester Naliborski of Belleville, IL and sisters; Gerri (Tom) Raab of Belleville, IL and Sharon Bingham of Ark. 13 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Memorials in Richard’s honor may be made to the family.

Services; A celebration of Rich’s life will be held on Saturday, January 19, 2019 from 11 a.m. to 4  p.m. at the Bullpen Bar & Grill in New Athens, IL

Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL is in charge of arrangements.

1. Bruce Ford says:

   01/19/2019 at 10:58 am

   Rich was one of a kind. I’ve been a customer, but he also bought and sold my crappie jigs in the store for several years. Over the years we came to be very good friends. In fact, I felt more like family than a friend. I’ll miss him greatly.
   Keep on fishing and laughing wherever you are!
   Bruce Ford,
   Nashville, IL

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2. Karen Jackson Fieker says:

   01/14/2019 at 7:22 pm

   I went to grade school with Rich. He was always a real nice guy.

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3. Dan Pontious says:

   01/05/2019 at 10:00 am

   I have been a customer of riches since the time he first opened his shop. I will miss his friendship dearly it is a great loss to our community.

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