Joseph James Riha

Joseph “Joe” Riha passed away peacefully on December 19, 2025, his 84th birthday. He was born on December 19, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, to Joseph and Lillian Riha, and remained deeply connected to the city and its surrounding communities throughout his life.

Joe was a proud graduate of the University of Illinois, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. He valued education greatly and embodied the spirit of a self-made man, building a successful life and career from humble beginnings through determination, integrity, and hard work.

He began his sales career in Houston, Texas, with General Motors, gaining experience that would shape his professional life. Joe later returned to the Chicago area, where he continued his career with Office Equipment Company (OEC) Business Interiors. He remained at OEC for the rest of his career, rising to Vice President of Sales. He always expressed how grateful he was to have found his niche and how much he enjoyed his work. He remained dedicated to his work well into his seventies, earning the respect of colleagues and clients alike.

Joe shared 47 years with his partner and best friend, Larry. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure until Larry’s passing in 2018. They shared a passion for travel, especially trips to their condominium in Telluride, Colorado, where they enjoyed skiing and the beauty of the mountains.

An avid real estate investor, Joe found joy in restoring and rehabbing properties alongside Larry. Their work earned recognition, including an award for the renovation of a six-flat in Wrigleyville that helped beautify the neighborhood. Joe was especially proud of their five-acre estate in Barrington Hills. He and Larry worked to transform the rugged property into a beautifully manicured landscape, filled with tranquil garden paths, birdhouses, rock walls and even a bridge over a babbling stream.

Joe was known for his generosity and kindness. He gave freely to causes close to his heart, including veterans’ organizations and nature conservation efforts, particularly National Parks and the Barrington Area Conservation. His giving reflected his deep appreciation for service, community, and the natural world.

Above all else, Joe loved his family. He was a devoted Uncle, a loyal partner, a generous friend, and a man who lived with purpose, compassion, and quiet pride.

Joe will be deeply missed by his loving nephew, Jim (Teresa) Lindh; his great niece and nephews, Patrick, Katie, and Michael Lindh; his brother-in-law, Norman Lindh and by many loving extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his partner, Larry Kubacki; his sister, Jeanne Lindh and by his parents.

Visitation will be Friday, December 26, 2025 from 4 PM until 6 PM at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 149 W. Main St. (Lake Cook Rd.), Barrington, IL 60010. Graveside service and burial will be on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at 11 AM at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, Hillside, IL.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Barrington Area Conservation Trust, Attn: Melissa Kinast, 145 W. Main Street, Suite 201, Barrington, IL 60010, https://bactrust.org/ or to American Heart Association, www.heart.org