Richard “Dick” Ervin George, Jr., a visionary entrepreneur, devoted family man, and beloved patriarch, passed away peacefully at his home in Elmhurst, Illinois, on May 29, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. He was 86 years old.
Born on March 9, 1939 in Kansas City, Missouri, Dick was the son of Richard “Erv” and Martha George. He grew up in Western Springs, Illinois, alongside his late brother, Bill George. It was during his sophomore year of high school at Lyons Township that Dick’s life truly began to intertwine with his soulmate, Judy Barber. Their connection blossomed, leading to a profound partnership that would span an incredible 71 years. Together, they attended the University of Illinois, where Dick excelled, earning both a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s in Accounting, which paved the way for his CPA certification. He was also a proud member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, forging friendships that lasted a lifetime.
Dick’s business career was nothing short of extraordinary, marked by innovation, astute leadership, and remarkable success. He launched his journey in a rotational training program with the Jewel Companies, gaining diverse experience that even included driving a door-to-door route truck in Wisconsin. Just five years into his career, in 1967, his talent was undeniable, and he was named Vice President of Merchandising for Chicago Osco Drug. His rapid ascent continued as he joined Jewel’s executive team as Executive Vice President, Finance.
In 1979, Dick took the helm as President and CEO of Osco Drugs, a role he held until 1988. Under his dynamic leadership, Osco experienced phenomenal compound digit growth.
Dick’s entrepreneurial drive truly soared after his tenure at Jewel/Osco. In 1989, he co-founded Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc., serving as its Chairman and CEO until 1994. It was here that he revolutionized the beauty industry by pioneering many innovative business models, including integrating a full-service salon within a retail store.
Even after “retiring” from Ulta, Dick’s expertise remained in high demand. He continued to lend his considerable talents to numerous companies and organizations, serving as Vice Chairman of the Board of True Value Company, Chairman of the Board of Factory Connection, and of Factory Card and Party Outlet. He was a trusted CEO Advisor for Alpha Capital Partners, Ltd. and generously shared his knowledge on the Business Advisory Councils for both the University of Illinois and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. His commitment to community was also evident through his service on the Board of Directors for the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.
While Dick built an undeniably impressive business empire, he often remarked that his most significant accomplishment was the beautiful life he created with his best friend and devoted wife, Judy. They were married on August 19, 1961, and soon after, settled in Elmhurst, where they built a loving home for their three children, Rich, Susan, and Jenny. Dick and Judy were an incredible team, supporting their children through every childhood activity and demonstrating, through their own unwavering love and mutual support, the true meaning of partnership.
Despite spending his entire life in the Midwest, Dick wasn’t a fan of cold weather. This led to his meticulous, yet characteristic, research into warmer climates. After “trying out” various Florida cities, he and Judy settled on Bonita Springs, finding their perfect winter retreat at the Bonita Bay Club in 1997. He was pleased that many of their dearest friends from Illinois joined them, ensuring their vibrant social network thrived in Florida, just as it did up North.
The love Dick held for his family was never more evident than in the abundant time he spent with his children and grandchildren. One of the most treasured traditions was his “Washington D.C. trip,” where he would take two grandchildren at a time to explore the Nation’s Capital, always ensuring plenty of time for swimming and ice cream at the hotel. He also loved taking his grandkids to the Brookfield Zoo.
Dick is survived by his loving wife, Judy; his son Rich and daughter-in-law Lisa George of Elmhurst, and their children Heather and Alex Ong, and Dick’s great-granddaughter Clara, of Overland Park, Kansas, Richard George and his fiancé Julia Cavallaro, of Indianapolis, and Megan George of Elmhurst; his daughter Susan and son-in-law Pete Swanson of Naperville, and their daughters Savanna, Annika, and Cambria; and his daughter Jenny and son-in-law Todd Young, of Carmel, Indiana, and their children Kendall and Trevor.
Services for Dick will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025, at St. Peter’s Church, 125 W. Church St., Elmhurst, IL.
Visitation will be held at St. Peter’s from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, with a service to follow.
Dick and Judy have been dedicated members of St. Peter’s for 35 years, and as a result, in lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Peter’s Church Building Fund. Checks should be made out to St. Peter’s Church, noting the Dick George Memorial.