Rev. Richard A. Orlinski Age 78, of Hammond, Indiana, was called by the Lord on Monday, May 18, 2026.

Father Richard, former pastor of St. John Bosco, Hammond, is survived by his loving brother, Robert (Geri) Orlinski; many cherished nephews, nieces, cousins, dear friends, and members of the faithful whose lives he touched throughout his years of ministry. He was preceded in death by his parents, Zygmund E. Orlinski and Jean A. Orlinski (nee Mazur); and his loving sister, Patricia (John) Always.

Born in East Chicago, Indiana, Father Richard’s faith journey began at St. Stanislaus Parish in East Chicago, where he received the Sacrament of Baptism. He later received the Sacrament of Confirmation at St. Mary Parish in Griffith, Indiana. He attended St. Mary School in Griffith and continued his education at St. Lawrence High School and St. Lawrence Seminary in Mount Calvary, Wisconsin. Father Richard furthered his studies at Innsbruck University and Seminary in Innsbruck, Austria, where he studied from the fall of 1967 through the summer of 1973.

Father Richard was ordained to the Diaconate on January 25, 1972, at Canisianum College in Innsbruck, Austria. He was ordained to the priesthood on September 30, 1973, at St. Mary Parish in Griffith, Indiana.

Throughout his devoted priesthood, Father Richard faithfully served numerous parishes throughout Northwest Indiana, including parochial appointments at Notre Dame in Michigan City, Our Lady of Grace in Highland, St. Catherine of Siena in Hammond, and St. Paul in Valparaiso. His life was dedicated to serving God, ministering to others, and guiding countless parishioners with compassion, wisdom, and unwavering faith.

Serving as president of the Interfaith Alliance, Father Richard was instrumental in a new federal courthouse being constructed in Hammond, close to those living on the margins of society.

Father Richard assumed Senior Priest status on July 1, 2021, honoring his many years dedicated service to the Church and the community. In his retirement, he continued his ministry of prayer, celebrating the Eucharist at the Albertine Home. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation for Fr. Richard will be held Tuesday, May 26, 2026, from 4 to 7 pm at St. John Bosco Catholic Church, 7113 Columbia Ave., Hammond, IN 46324, beginning with the Rite of Reception of the Body at 4 pm and concluding with Evening Prayer at 7 pm. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at St. John Bosco Catholic Church, beginning with visitation at 9 am and Morning Prayer at 10 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am with the Most Rev. Robert J. McClory, Bishop of Gary, officiating. Internment will follow at St. John – St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Hammond, Indiana.