Richard Borgra, 87, of West Salem, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2023, holding the hand of his only child. He was born May 5, 1936, the oldest son of Barney and Frances (Fornengo) Borgra.
Richard was a resident of West Salem, Illinois since 1960, where he raised a daughter, Jennifer, with his wife Bessie Borgra.
He was known for his infectious laugh, bright smile, and sunny disposition. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, and friend. He was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan. In his early years he enjoyed coaching little league, woodworking, hunting, and bowling with several awards to his credit. At age 35 he taught himself to play golf, it was a passion that would always be with him. He belonged to Mount Carmel Municipal Golf Course for weekly league play and any other time he could. He was an avid gardener, loved to feed the birds, loved food, playing chess, he dabbled in painting, cooking and even wine making (it was an epic disaster, but he loved to tell the tale of making wine).
Richard was a devout Catholic and attended Saint Sebastian Church in Mt. Carmel, Illinois. He was proud to have served in the Marines, graduated from SIU Carbondale with an Industrial Engineering Degree, moved to West Salem, and worked at Champion Labs from 1961-2006. He loved his community, served throughout the years on many boards, West Salem Village Board, Police Board and Southeastern Illinois Agency on Aging. He was a proud supporter of the West Salem Firemen and the Village Café and Homestead Vineyards.
Survivors include daughter, Jennifer Borgra of Evansville, Indiana; brothers, Joseph (Carol) Borgra, Thomas (Paula) Borgra, of Christopher, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his beloved grand-dogs, ReyRey and Roxie. Richard was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Bessie Borgra and his parents, Barney and Frances Borgra.
A Celebration of Richard will be held Saturday, December 30, 2023, at Saint Sebastian Church, Mt. Carmel, IL.
Visitation from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Funeral Mass at 12:00 PM, burial immediately following at the Saint Sebastian Church Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to: Volunteer Fireman’s Association of West Salem, Illinois.
The family would like to say a special thanks to Charlie Gentz and Dan Jackson of West Salem for being the best of friends, together with Richard known as the Three Musketeers. Special thanks as well to Tom Gibbons of Mount Carmel, and to Pat Jurich of Christopher, his lifelong friend and fellow Marine. Finally, a very special thank you to the Village Café for not only being a place that he loved, but for the love shown to him there.
Ingram Meridith Funeral Home of West Salem in charge of arrangements
