Richard Sawicki

Rich was born on October 16th 1950 in Chicago Illinois. Rich was one of four children born to Edward R. Sawicki and Emily T. Sawicki. Rich was the youngest boy and he had two brothers: Edward (Ed) married to Pat & Robert (Bob) married to Mardel and a sister: Annette married to Dave. Rich loved all his nieces, nephews, & grandkids: Mark, John, Paul, Sarah, Danielle, Amy, Kimberly, Benjamin, Jackson, Riley, Annabelle, Rebecca, Elizabeth & Ryan. He graduated from St. Francis de Sales High School in Chicago, Illinois in 1968.
Rich was very independent and a hard worker. He worked in the Chicago steel mills as a young man. He had many jobs to help him with his college cost at Quincy University in Quincy Illinois. Rich had many stories but one he liked to tell was related to his job as a terminator. Rich also had a smile telling his story about causing an explosion in chemistry classes. Rich graduated with honors from Quincy University with a BA/BS in Chemical & Molecular Engineering.
Rich was married in 1972 to Janet and shortly after fathered a beautiful baby girl, Kristina. Richard and Janet chose different paths later in life but remained dedicated to loving and raising their daughter. Kristi Nelson (married to Tracy), was and is his pride and joy! Rich adored her. Rich was so proud of his two fantastic granddaughters: Rebecca Nelson (15 years) and Elizabeth Nelson (12 years). Rich would brag on them and their accomplishments and beauty every chance he had!
Rich accepted a job with Johnson & Johnson Medical and relocated his family to Dallas Texas in September 1976. Rich had been recognized by his company for his contribution and patent in developing new products such as the Kling Fluff - rolls & sponges and his athletic Active-Flex tape. Rich was invited into the NY Giant's locker room where he personally met the coach and the players! He also loved representing his products and company at the J&J 60th Annual Sports Conference in San Antonio in 2009! During his employment with J&J he had many experiences including travelling to China, Shanghai , Tokyo, Vietnam, Beijing as well as numerous trips to 50 States in the USA. He joked often about all the miles he put on his body! Mr. Rich, as they called him in China, also loved being treated like a dignitary in China being escorted everywhere and flying platinum first or business class.
Rich was very respected and admired by everyone that he met. He was extremely intelligent and retained facts like a sponge. He could recall statistics and facts instantly!
Rich met his soul mate in the early 90's and married this crazy Canadian in 1997. Patricia (Pat) was equally amazed and in love with Rich. They shared so many wonderful memories and happiness. Together they were complete. Rich and Pat had it all - the fairy tale had come true for both of them. They were a special team! Rich was such a great step dad to Pat's two children: Robert (Rob) - married to Catherine (Cat) and Samantha (Sammy) married to Gregory (Greg). Both children had a special relationship with Rich and they appreciated and sought his input repeatedly when they needed guidance in their lives. Rich never judged and always gave them a different perspective to think about. The relationship was more than a step-parent as well as all three of them could sit for hours talking or having a philosophically discussions, sharing stories and laughter or updates on sports. Rich was so proud of his grandson Ryan Brown - 7 years old (son of Robert and Cat) - he loved that Ryan was playing soccer and they shared kicking the soccer ball together. Rich enjoyed sitting on the floor with Ryan playing cars or coloring. Ryan and Grandpa Rich cuddled when they were together to read stories or watch a show.
Rich had many qualities and passions. One BIG passion in his life was sports! Rich loved football, soccer, hockey, wrestling, baseball and was an avid pool shark. Rich's collection of sports T-shirts, caps, and soccer jerseys was extensive. He routinely chose his outfit to support whichever team was playing that day! Last Christmas, Rich insisted on leaving our Cowboys themed Christmas tree and all the decorations up in hopes that the Cowboys would win and go to the Super Bowl. The tree stayed up until the Cowboys were out! He also enjoyed science fiction. Rich always liked to share his love of music with everyone and would most likely choose his favorite, the blues. BB King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Squirrel Nut Zipper and Charlie Rich were just some of his favorites. Rich enjoyed a number of Cowboy games up close on the 49 yard line with VIP parking! Rich played & loved soccer. Rich played outdoor soccer with team Andromeda- over 50 years of age and he proudly wore the number 3 - which was his favorite number. Rich enjoyed soccer even in the Texas heat and using his solid head to bump a rival (he had injured the rival team repeatedly leading the way for his team to the win - "Goal").
This is supposed to be Rich's life story but how can you describe all his accomplishments and life experiences as well as express what Super Great & Fantastic husband, soul mate, friend, father, stepdad, father-in-law, brother, grandfather/grandpa, uncle/great uncle, person, co-worker, team mate, human being he was.
Rich contributed to the beauty & love & generosity & compassion & patience & kindness & gentleness as well as making this world a better place.
Rich made everyone around him happy and a better person for having him in their life!
Rich is still truly a one of a kind earth & now heavenly angel!
There are no words to adequately describe what a wonderful man Rich was!
Remembering Rich and sending all our love!
Rich,
BE AT PEACE!
LOVE ALWAYS & FOREVER & BEYOND"ON A MISSION FROM GOD..."
The family will greet friends at an Afternoon of Remembrance from 2:00 to 4:00 pm on Friday, February 20, 2015 at Allen Family Funeral Options with words of comfort being shared at exactly 3:33 (in honor of Rich's favorite number).