Andrew Racz

Andrew Joseph Racz, 80, of Belvidere, IL passed away on August 27, 2023. Andy’s life was

one of prioritizing family and community service. He was born January 7, 1943, to Joseph Racz

and Elizabeth Molnar in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Andy served four years in the United

States Navy on the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal. Upon discharge he married Judith Harris on

June 10, 1967, in New Brunswick, NJ. Taking advantage of the GI Bill, Andy became a

graduate of Parsons College and Northern Illinois University. He began a 33-year teaching

career in Marengo, IL at Riley School as a reading and history instructor to middle school

students. Settling in Belvidere, Andy’s family began with daughter Elizabeth and grew to include

sons David, Joseph, Timothy, Mark, and daughter Susan and Madison. Andy was a presence in

the life of many people: as a teacher and bus driver reaching students; as a soccer and baseball

coach for young athletes; as an elected official representing Ward 1 residents in Belvidere; and

as a volunteer in organizations such as United Way, the Boone County Literacy Council, the

Boone County Council for Aging, and the Boone County Democratic Party. A lifetime marked by

giving, involvement, and support he will be missed greatly by community and family.

Andy is loved and will be deeply missed by sons, David (Teresa) Racz, Joseph (Leah) Racz,

Tim (Brandy) Racz, Mark (Maryann) Racz; daughters, Elizabeth (Keith) Racz- Burton, Susan

(Adam) Racz-Kirkpatrick, Madison Ernst; 13 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his

parents, Joseph Racz and Elizabeth Molnar; wife, Judith Racz; son, Jonathan Racz.

Visitation and services to be held at the Belvidere Funeral Home & Cremation Service in

Belvidere, IL on Thursday, September 7, 2023, from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, please

consider a donation to the Ida Public Library to help fund their Book Mobile, Literacy projects,

and ESL programming.