Joseph Richard “Dick” Hemingway of Munster, Indiana, passed away on December 31, 2025 surrounded by family. He was a devoted husband, loving father, teacher, dedicated coach, and proud grandparent of 14. He grew up in Hammond, Indiana where he met the love of his life, Nancy (Chandler) and they married in 1960. They enjoyed over 65 years together, mostly in Munster, never far from each other’s side.

Dick was born in Hammond, Indiana January 4, 1936 to Joseph and Velma (Beaman) Hemingway, who preceded him in death. He was a decorated multisport athlete at Hammond High School, graduating in 1954. Dick graduated from Indiana State University with a bachelor’s degree in education in 1959; a scholar athlete at Indiana State, Dick earned four letters playing football and two letters in Baseball. He later returned to Indiana State University to earn his master’s degree in education.

Dick’s teaching career in the School City of Hammond system included time at Irving Elementary, Spohn Middle School, and George Rogers Clark High School, from which he retired in 1998. In addition to teaching, he was a counselor, coach, drivers ed instructor, and bus driver, impacting generations of students over his tenure. Recognizing his many contributions to Hammond sports as an athlete, educator and coach, Dick was inducted into the Hammond Sports Hall of Fame in 2016.

Dick loved coaching, especially his six children, instilling teamwork and sportsmanship in all of his players. Retirement years included travel, time with his 14 grandchildren, and watching the Chicago Bears, Blackhawks, Cubs, and Bulls. Dick was an active member in the St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Munster, including serving as an usher and previous chair of the Parish Council. Dick and Nancy were also supporters of Donate Life America, as Dick was a kidney transplant survivor since 2002.

Dick is survived by his wife, Nancy (Chandler) Hemingway, two siblings Jay Hemingway and Kay (Joe) O’Neal, and six children, Brad (Amy) Hemingway, Cheryl (Ed) Jarot, Larry (Sue) Hemingway, Tom (Anita) Hemingway, Sandi (John) Hemingway, Patty (Todd) Carmichael, as well as 14 grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at St Thomas More Church in Munster on Monday, January 19th at 10am.  A visitation prior to Mass will be held in the Church vestibule at 9am.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Gift of Hope,  Planting Possibilities or the Munster Civic Foundation in Dick’s memory.

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