Richard J. Lesniak

Richard J. Lesniak

March 29, 1939 - October 1, 2023

Richard J. Lesniak, age 84, of Schererville, IN, passed away on Sunday, October 1, 2023 surrounded by family.

Born in East Chicago, Indiana on March 29, 1939, to the late Benjamin J. Lesniak and Helen (Gajda) Lesniak, Richard is survived by his wife Janice (Kmiecik); four children Linda Kiefer (Charles) of Centennial, CO, Karen Tracy (Gregory) of Galloway, OH, Richard Lesniak, Jr. (Tamera) of Scottsdale, AZ and John Michael Lesniak (Eliza) of Singapore; five grandchildren, Charlie and Michael Kiefer, Rory and Sean Tracy, and Ariana Lesniak; his brother, John Lesniak (Janice, deceased) of Highland, IN, and sister Margaret Doll (Kenneth, deceased) of  Indianapolis, IN; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and one aunt, Lucile Gardner (John, deceased) of LaPorte, IN.

After graduating from Bishop Noll High School, Wabash College and Indiana University School of Law, he began his law career as an Escrow Officer with Chicago Title Insurance and then transitioning to Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for Lake County.  Next he joined the private practice firm of Given, Dawson and Cappas in East Chicago and later founded his own firm.  While practicing in East Chicago he represented many local government agencies.  As the East Chicago School City general counsel for 20 years, he participated in the financing and construction of numerous schools and municipal improvements.  Later in his career, he relocated the firm to Schererville and leaned toward family practice.  Preparing for retirement, in 2018 he merged into the offices of Rubino, Rumen, Crosmer and Polen in Dyer, IN.  He was a member of the Lake County Bar Association and the Indiana State Bar Association for over 50 years.

In the late '60s and early '70s, he served as the Representative for Lake County in the Indiana House of Representatives.  He was the Democrat Caucus Chairman in 1971 and 1972, a member of the Indiana Code Study Commission, and co-sponsor of Indiana Code of 1971.

He was an avid golfer and ballroom dancer, dancing with his wife in numerous amateur ballroom dance competitions across the United States. 

A private service will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions in Richard's name to the Saint Joseph's Carmelite Home (4840 Grasselli St, East Chicago, IN 46312) will be appreciated.