On March 20, 2026, we lost a Poet, Sculptor, Physician, Father and Husband.
Born to Bernard and Phyllis Bilinsky on February 1, 1937 in New York City, Richard (Dick) is survived by his wife, Elizabeth “Bette” (Glatz), his children, Beth Berning, Cara (Tom) Blair, and Matthew (Kim) and their grandchildren, Anthony and Amy Evans, Jackson and Caroline Blair, and Stephanie and Katlyn Bilinsky.
Dick graduated from Stuyvesant High School, New York City (54), Dartmouth College (58), and Chicago Medical School (62). He completed his Internship, Residency and Fellowship in Internal Medicine and Nephrology at Michael Reese Hospital, Chicago. He served as Captain in the Air Force from 1964-1966.
Taking care of patients was the focus of his professional life. Dick practiced Nephrology in Springfield for 36 years, initially at Memorial Medical Center, then at Springfield Clinic. While at Memorial, he set up and ran Dialysis Units in Alton, Decatur, Effingham, Mattoon and Quincy so that patients wouldn’t have to travel to Springfield for treatments. In 1990 he built a new, state of the art Dialysis Center in Springfield (Lincolnland Dialysis Center), followed by one in Lincoln, IL. He was a consultant to the Bureau of Disability Determination Services for many years.
Aside from patient care, he enjoyed participating in the Junior League Follies and Medical Madness Productions; often writing “irreverent” lyrics to popular songs.
In retirement he began sculpting, first in stone, then in clay which was then cast in bronze. His work is displayed in several galleries, public and private institutions and homes in the U.S. and abroad.
Dick and Rosemary Buffington created “What Art Feels Like”, a sculpture exhibit designed especially for the visually impaired.
Dick continued writing poetry and lyrics, and published 4 books on subjects ranging from Covid, the war in Ukraine, and with George King, political topics and the “joys” of aging.
He and Bette designed wristbands with “Never Better” imprinted, in memory of a dear friend, and distributed over 2000 to people they met locally and in their travels.
Dick was instrumental in bringing Art into the hospital environment through rotating exhibits and permanent donations to both local hospitals. He chaired the Committee for the Healing Arts Program at HSHS St. John’s Hospital.
He and Bette donated most of their art collection to Concordia Village, when they moved there in 2023, hoping it might bring some joy to residents, staff and visitors.
The family would like to thank the staff of Concordia Village and HSHS St. John’s Hospice for their care and compassion throughout his illness.
At his request there will be no funeral service; there will be an Open House at Concordia Village on Saturday, April 11th from 11:00 am-1:00 pm.
If desired, donations may be made to the Concordia Village Scholarship Program or to HSHS St John’s Hospice.
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