Richard Clark Gilliland, 76 of Valparaiso, passed away Thursday, September 17, 2026. He was born on May 14, 1950 in Gary, Indiana, the son of Eddie Eugene and Amy Jean (Clark) Gilliland. Richard was a Veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a graduate of the Georgetown University Hospital’s Paramedic Program. He began his career in Washington D.C. as one of the first paramedic-fire fighters for the department, then moved back to Northwest Indiana and worked for over 30 years for the Portage Fire Department, retiring in 2015.
On January 23, 1987, Richard married Carole (Humenick) Fabian who survives along with his children, Jason (Amber) Gilliland and Megan Kaufman, and their mother, Susan Bonner; stepson, David Fabian; grandchildren, Alexander Powell, Colton Kaufman, Liam and Ava Gilliland, and Nick (Ally), Matthew, and Maya Fabian; great granddaughter, Olivia Fabian; and his sister, Beth (Jeffrey) Littmann. He was preceded in death by his parents and stepson, Paul Fabian.
A Memorial Gathering will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026 from 3:00 - 4:30 PM at Moeller Funeral Home 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, with a Memorial Service beginning at 4:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Tunnels to Towers Foundation.
GUESTBOOK
My special thoughts to my special 60 yr friend, Carole. Wish I could be there to cry in our margaritas togethers. May Richard rest in peace. Love, Gail Murray
