Richard Aloysius Lamparski born July 18 1947 was the first child of Wladyslaw and Wladyslawa. They traveled from their home in Szczecin Poland to the United States of America, settling in Detroit Michigan with sisters Virginia and Teresa in 1963.
Richard was an avid learner taking courses in various areas of interest, including drafting, mathematics, engineering, the arts and architectural design. These studies led to a very successful career as a structural engineer. He won awards and recognition in graphic designs, most notable being the Kresge Headquarters building (K-Mart) in Troy Michigan and the electrical engineering of Beaumont Hospitals.
In 1970 Richard met Victoria Pankowski. After a two year courtship, he asked her to be his wife. They married on a rainy Sweetest Day afternoon October 21 1972. From their union came son Rich W. and daughter Rachael. During their nearly 50 years of marriage, Richard and Vickie enjoyed traveling, camping and dancing together.
In 1998 Richard became a proud grandfather to Rachael’s first son Zachary, followed by Jessica and Andrew. Rich added to the family in 2006 with his twin children Hailey and Donovan. Logan Rose rounded out the group of grandchildren in 2009. Recently Richard and Vickie were overjoyed by the birth of their first great granddaughter, Lyra Ann Rose in 2021.
When Richard wasn’t working or volunteering with The Knights of Columbus, he enjoyed watching the sunset on the beach with an ice cream cone and any company that would join him. In his younger days he loved his involvement with his company’s sports teams including ice hockey with Smith, Hinchman and Grylls. He was especially fond of Curling with “The Sinners Club” and golfing with Durr Industries. Richard liked fishing and was able to do some ice fishing with his coworkers of Gallagher Kaiser in Minnesota during one of his many business travels throughout the country and abroad.
Aside from sports and working, Richard had a hearty appetite that everyone noticed and teased him about. He may have taken his time at eating, but he sure could put it away! If he was ever bored you would find him doing calculus problems for fun.
Church was always a huge part of Richard’s life. His faith sustained his strength and good nature. He found good fellowship with brother Knights from Saint James the Apostle Church in Port Richey FL. He was never opposed to assisting with and attending events of the Legion of Mary or any other church function. Anyone could always count on Richard to lend a hand, give sound advice or share his wealth of knowledge. (solicited of course, as he would never impose)
Devastatingly, Richard fell victim to this dreaded Covid virus August 4. He suffered alone in the hospital for 40 days before experiencing fatal cardiac arrest. Our world darkened on September 21 2021 with the passing of our beloved Richard. He is survived by his loving wife Victoria. Son Richard Walter. Daughter Rachael Rose(Scott) Six grandchildren: Zachary(Kayli), Jessica, Andrew and Logan Rose. Hailey and Donovan Lamparski. One great granddaughter, Lyra Ann Rose. Sister: Virginia(John) Lewandowski with their children Barbara(Arthur), Tom(Dawn) Jim(Michelle) Great nieces and nephews, Emily, Lauren, Josh, Tyler and Gavin. Sister Teresa Kontiewicz and her daughters Jennifer(Mike), Eva, Kristina(Josh) and Julie. With great nieces and nephews, Maddie, Nick, Gabby and Jackson. Aunt Teresa, Godson and nephew Michael and niece Karina Cieszkowski Sister In law Beverly Miller with children Tracey and Victor. Nephew Steve (Michelle) Pankowski and many family members in Poland.
Everyone who has ever met Richard has described him as a kind, gentle, generous, caring man. He will be remembered by his laugh, subtle sense of humor and contagious smile. His generosity, talent and goodness are just a few of his many attributes that will be sorely missed by all.
Kimberly karalis
September 26, 2021, 5:04 pm
Richard, I will miss you dearly. You were one of the kindest most loving people I have ever met. I am blessed you were in my life and my Father n law for 15 years. Hailey and Donovan were truly blessed to have you as their Dzia Dzia. I have no doubt that you will now be an amazing guardian Angel to all of us.
Arlene Pitts
September 27, 2021, 1:14 am
My sister Anita and I met Richard and Vicky a long time ago on a tour of Poland. Later they invited my us to their home and their parent’s home. My memories of Richard will be of the those times, the dinners and his jokes that made us laugh so hard til we cried. Even now, I can’t help picturing him, sitting at the Lord’s banquet table, helping to pour the Polish wine and liquor and making us laugh with his unique jokes and humor. I hope we get to sit near him when we get there. I wouldn’t want to miss a word. Rest in peace Richard. Your fight is over. Love, Arlene Klatkiewicz Pitts
Victoria Lamparski
September 27, 2021, 11:02 am
My love, as Fr. Mike always says, ” Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth. Instead store up treasures in heaven.” Indeed, my greatest treasure is now in heaven.
I know that you are watching out for us already. Thank you! You were, without a doubt, (as everyone from the hospital described you) the most kind man anyone ever met. (they all thank you) Add to that generous and loving. The most patient, humble man I knew. I never met anyone that didn’t like you. No wonder that in recent years you had “angel eyes”. Thank you for that last glimpse into those beautiful eyes, by the way!
You were Christ like even in the end when you spent forty days and forty nights. Alone. Suffering and praying. When you could barely speak, your voice became strong and clear when we prayed.
I will forever love you! And more than anything I am going to miss you kissing me on the forehead and blessing me with the sign of the cross. And your daily notes!! And thank you again, for Rich and Rachael. My greatest gifts from you.
Rest well my sweet, you deserve every blessing you are now reaping. Well done, good and faithful servant!
All my love, always! Vickie
Liz Cser
September 27, 2021, 4:44 pm
To a great man! His family and his friends he held close! He was a provider. And, a great friend ( more like family) to our family. I just missed them so much when they moved to Florida from michigan. A very dear friend and now a angel watching over us! Love you all Lamparski/ Rose family.
Valerie Crawford
September 27, 2021, 5:08 pm
The few times I met him I was in awe of his kindness, friendly personality and his love of his family! Praying for comfort to his family and friends!
Tracey
September 27, 2021, 6:36 pm
Rest on peace Uncle Richard! Fly high with our Angels and watch over us from above. I have missed you already but I hate missing you now. I know it’s not forever and one day all will be well. Until we meet again Uncle…. STOLAT
My thoughts and prayers to the Lamparski Family and friends. A great man has gone home.
Tracey
September 27, 2021, 7:02 pm
Rest in peace Uncle Richard! Fly high with our Angels and watch over us from above. I have missed but I hate missing you now. I know it’s not forever and one day all will be well. Until we meet again Uncle…. STOLAT
My thoughts and prayers to the Lamparski Family and friends. A great man has gone home.
Lisa Namaga
September 28, 2021, 1:02 am
We will surely miss you!!! So thankful for you being such a big part of Javans life!! As he would say he loves his God Dad!!! ❤ Lisa, Javan & Aaron!!!
Linda
September 28, 2021, 2:17 pm
Over the many years that I’ve known Richard, I can honestly say that I’ve never met a man who earned the right to be called “one of the good guys” more than he did…..always there in any and every way possible for his family, friends, acquaintances, just anyone who could benefit from his kindness. He will truly be missed, but will live on in my memories and my heart. Rest in peace, Richard.
Earl Alfaro
September 28, 2021, 3:21 pm
Aside from the blessing of having met Richard while working together at DURR in the mid-eighties, I am especially grateful to him for the encouragement he provided when I sought his advice on my future career path. At 18 years old, I needed guidance from a trusted friend when at times I didn’t receive it at home. I enjoyed watching he and my father laugh and share stories together, demonstrating the virtues of true friendship. In the end, his passing is a reminder to me of how fragile life is, and how important it is for me to become more intentional at spending time with friends who are dear to me.
Janet Gill
September 29, 2021, 11:34 am
My husband and I met Richard and Victoria in a pew at St. James Catholic Church. My husband Cliff who is Polish heard them speaking Polish and was immediately drawn to them. They were new to our parish and Cliff in his always welcoming way introduced himself and me to them. From then on we shared many happy memories together in each other’s homes. Over the years, I couldn’t help myself as I observed Richard and Victoria volunteering and bringing their grandchildren to church, and I was in awe of them. They are such great role models. Richard became our handyman, Jack of all trades. Each and everyday no matter which door I leave or enter I feel Richard is there with us as he replaced all our door handles. I think of him each and everyday since his passing as I open and close the doors to our home. I will never forget his gentle, humble laugh and smile. You touched so many life’s, and I feel blessed to have known you. RIP Richard; Faithful servant of God.
Virginia
September 29, 2021, 11:31 pm
Dearest Richard, how do I say goodbye to my beloved brother…you left this world way too soon! I will miss our talks when we called each other just to stay in touch and enjoy hearing all about your family and how much you cared about them . I will miss the praying together over our parent’s graves and the distance didn’t matter (you in Florida & us In Michigan) you were so lovingly happy that we did that …that meant so much to me. Now you are with our parents in heaven …they all loved you so much…no more pain and suffering! I will miss you so much & your happy smiling face; till we meet again. Rest In Peace Richard! ❤️ God bless your family and give them strength in your passing!
Scott
September 30, 2021, 2:32 pm
You will be forever missed. I will never forget your laugh. And your smile.
Adam and Kalie
December 1, 2021, 1:30 am
Truly, Richard IS the best man that we have ever met. He always was strong and resilient. He touched out lives in such a way that I can not explain. Simply, Richard impacted our lives so greatly, Kalie and I wouldn’t be where we are without him! We love him and he will be forever missed! 💚