Arlington Park’s Dick Duchossois Dead at age 100
- Posted by Barrington Hills
- On January 28, 2022
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, the Village Staff, the Police department, and myself, I wish to extend the deepest condolences to the Duchossois Family on the passing of their father, grandfather and great grandfather, Richard Duchossois, who was a pillar in our community. He did much for philanthropy and the equestrian community of which Barrington Hills is known for. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time.
— President Brian D. Cecola
In honor of Richard Duchossois’ 99th Birthday, the Village issued a Proclamation making October 7, 2020, Richard Duchossois Day. Follow the link to view the Proclamation.
DAILY HERALD | Burt Constable & Chris Placek | January 28, 2022
The fate of Arlington Park hangs in the balance, but the charismatic billionaire who was the heart and soul of that horse racing palace in Arlington Heights is gone. Richard “Dick” Duchossois died Friday at age 100 in his home in Barrington Hills.
“I’ve had so many wonderful memories,” Duchossois said during an interview last year to talk about the selling of Arlington Park, and speculation that it might be home to a new Chicago Bears football stadium.
“The memory I have most is of the day after the fire,” Duchossois said of the devastating and spectacular all-day fire on July 31, 1985, which burned the grandstand and clubhouse. In the shadow of the smoldering rubble, workers spent that day on tractors grooming the track for what would become the “Miracle Million” race held just a few weeks later. Duchossois hung a framed photograph of that scene in his plush rebuilt grandstand with “Quit? Hell NO!” written on the photo.
Known as “Mr. D,” Duchossois was a force in every business he owned. “Don’t expect what you didn’t inspect,” was a mantra of his. A decorated commander of the 610th Tank Destroyer Battalion as a major under Gen. George Patton during World War II, Duschossois persevered as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, financial success story, and family man.
Due to COVID-19 guidelines, there will be no visitation, and the funeral and burial services will be for immediate family only.
