Richard Kissel, Leading Attorney and Philanthropist, Dies

Richard J. “Dick” Kissel, a prominent lawyer, philanthropist and 45-year resident of Lake Forest died Saturday from cancer, according to information from Wenban Funeral Home. He was 76.

Moving his family to Lake Forest in 1967 to be closer to Abbot Laboratories where he worked as a lawyer, Kissel developed an expertise in the emerging field of environmental law. He helped draft the Illinois Pollution Control Act and attracted the attention of then Gov. Richard Olgivie. Olgivie appointed him to the first Illinois Pollution Control Board in 1970.

By 1973, Kissel entered the private practice of law eventually joining the firm of Gardner, Carton and Douglas in Chicago. He became chairman of its management committee.

Kissel was an also adjunct professor at Chicago-Kent College of Law and the University of Illinois School of Public Health. He was an author and contributor to the Illinois Continuing Legal Education series on environmental law.

As a Lake Forest resident, Kissel became involved in the community. He was president of the board of directors of the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Senior Citizens Foundation and a director of the National Retirement Research Foundation.

Under Kissel’s leadership, the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Senior Citizens Foundation expanded its community offerings, strengthened its financial position and enjoyed increased participation by the area’s senior citizens, according to Wenban.

Born in Chicago and raised on the west side, Kissel’s earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from Northwestern University. While at Northwestern he was President of Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity and was the first of his family to attend college. He was also chairman of the Waa-Mu Show. 

Kissel was a charter member of the Lake Forest Health and Fitness Center, a runner and golfer. He was a member of Knollwood Club and Harbor Ridge Yacht and Country Club in Stuart, FL. He and held board positions at both organizations.

Art was another passion for Kissel. His needlepoint and petit point were evident in purses, murals and other pieces. As a woodworker he made tables, beds fine clocks and furniture for various family members.

Kissel is survived by his wife, Donna; their sons Roy (Susan) of Chicago and David (Susan) of Lake Bluff as well as daughter Audrey (Patrick) of Los Angeles along with seven grandchildren.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11:30 a.m. April 2 at St. Patrick’s Church, 950 West Everett Road in Lake Forest. Visitation starts at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Senior Citizens Foundation, 100 East Old Mill Road, Lake Forest, Illinois, 60045.

For more information, contact Wenban Funeral Home, 320 Vine Avenue, Lake Forest, www.wenbanfh.com or 847-234-0022.

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