Richard J. Lorenz “Dick” Tibak, 86, died peacefully on Saturday, October 1, at his home with his family surrounding him. He resided in Lawrence, MA, with his family for over 55 years.
Dick was born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ. He was educated at the University of Alabama, and Parsons School of Design in New York City. Dick was art director for Bradford Novelty Company both in Boston, MA, and for their international offices. He worked at NBC in New York, and as art director for Channel 5 in Boston. Throughout his professional career, he was the recipient of 36 awards from the Art Director’s Clubs of Boston, and New York City. After his retirement, he taught art education for the Lawrence, MA School System. Dick traveled extensively throughout his career with his wife accompanying him, to Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Hawaii, to name a few. He was an accomplished artist, writer, and educator.
Dick was predeceased by his beloved wife Joanne (Piazza) Tibak. He was the son of John L. and Julia (Kardos) Tibak. Brothers Albert and Jack, all of New Jersey, and son-in-law of Pluri R and Anne (Lally) Piazza of Lawrence.
Dick, along with his wife Joanne, were active in their community. They educated their daughters at Presentation of Mary Academy in Methuen, and actively participated in the first combined Parents Guild. He decorated the ballroom for the Cotillion De Noel at PMA for several years, where each of his daughters were presented. Dick and his wife were members of The Marymount College Parents’ Alumni in Tarrytown, NY. They were great supporters of many non-profits including Lazarus House, American Cancer Society, Holy Trinity School Guild and St. Francis Seminary. Dick also served as lector at St. Mary’s Church in Lawrence, for several years.
He is survived by his children Lisabeth A. Tibak of Victoria, Australia, Pamela (Tibak) Small and husband Walter, of Derry, NH, Leslie (Tibak) Ouellet and husband William of Salem, NH, and Christopher and wife Lisa (Marcello) Tibak of Lawrence, MA. His sister Mary and husband, Gerald Griggs of Florida, sister-in law Joan Tibak of New Jersey, sister-in-law Mary (Piazza) Wesson and late husband Charles of Andover, and bother-in-law Paul Piazza and wife, Patricia of Andover, MA. Grandchildren Christian Whitton, Vanessa (Whitton) LeBlanc, Melissa Ouellet, Oliver Ouellet, Jeffrey Tibak, Brandon Tibak, 3 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass that will be celebrated on Thursday morning, October 6 at 10am, at St. Augustine’s Church, 43 Essex Street, Andover, MA. Internment will be at Spring Grove Cemetery, Andover, MA. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, October 5, from 3pm to 7pm at Kenneth Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence Street, Methuen, MA. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Richard and Joanne Tibak Memorial Fund, c/o Presentation of Mary Academy, 209 Lawrence Street, Methuen, MA 01844.