Daniel Leo Richardson

Daniel Leo Richardson (Dr. Dan as he was known by his students), 75, formerly of Rockford, passed away January 20, 2018, after a short a short illness, at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, Il surrounded by family and friends. Dr. Dan was born October 30, 1942, to Leo and Arlene (Baker) Richardson, in Rockford, where he spent much of his youth enjoying farm life.
As a young man Dan endured severe bouts of asthma, and at the recommendation of his mother he began playing wind instruments as a way to combat the condition.
In 1956, while attending St. Thomas High School he joined a newly formed drum and bugle corps called the Phantom Regiment, a brainchild of his friend Jim Wren, a then senior in the same school. The Phantom Regiment became a life-long passion for Dan. In addition to playing in the corps, through the years he served the Regiment as program coordinator, director, medical director, and member of board of directors. His last weekend on earth was spent with the drum corps that he loved.
Following high school, Dan went on to earn a doctorate in Pharmacology and pharmacognosy at Loyola University’s Stritch School of Medicine, and added numerous other academic achievements in research and writing. During his career as a professor at the National University of Health Sciences, he served as Assistant Dean of the College of Allied Health Sciences and as a member of their Post Doctorate Faculty. To quote Dr. Joseph Stiefel, president of the National University of Health Sciences, “Dr. Richardson will be remembered for his beautiful mind, humorous and kind nature, and his never ending beneficence toward his colleagues and students.”
Survivors include, his siblings, Donna Ferguson, Tom (Cindy), Jim (Kathy), and Ken (Cheryl) Richardson; numerous nieces and nephews, special friend, Joyce Whitehead; and extended Phantom Regiment Phamily.
He is predeceased by his parents, and brother-in-law, Bill Ferguson.
Memorial service will be 6 p.m. Friday, January 26, 2018 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford. Memorial visitation 3 p.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Phantom Regiment, 420 N. Main St. Rockford, IL, 61103. Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.