Still youthful, though well into his seventies, the dynamic Chicago Public Schools legendary Social Science Teacher, Richard Pringle, died June 17, 2017.
“I got the call last week from his life-long family friend, Janice Washington Taylor,” said Beverly Normand, retired CPS Citywide Special Ed. Specialist and CEO at Rald Institute. “Along with hundreds of educators, students, church leaders and jazz enthusiasts, I attended his memorial at Saint Columbanus Church yesterday.
He was respected and admired by people from all age groups and all walks of life, not just the Black Intelligensia; he helped everyone,” Normand continued.
Richard Pringle was happily married to educator Greta Eaton Pringle since 1965. Richard was born in 1940 to Nellie (also a teacher) and Gus Pringle, and graduated from St. Elizabeth Elementary School where he served as an alter boy. He was a graduate of Parker High School. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University and his Master’s from Roosevelt University.
Known for his ability to gain the trust and respect of students going through difficult times, he touched many lives, especially at the Industrial Skills Center School where he worked with many students with special needs for nearly 40 years. Gardening, jazz, and cooking were his passions, but he was known for posing questions which made people think, and which sometimes ruffled feathers.
Richard leaves to mourn his loving wife, Greta; daughter, Candace Sloan (Rinaldo); sons, Richard Eaton and Terry Augustus; sister, Roberta Barfield; five grandchildren, Rinaldo, Hugh, Khaila, Brandon and Christina, and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, family members, friends, students, and colleagues.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The United Negro College Fund in the name of Richard Pringle.
