Richard Pozywak, 81, U.S. Army Veteran
Richard Pozywak, age 81, of Elyria, passed away in the emergency department at the Cleveland Clinic Avon Hospital on the afternoon of Tuesday June 23, 2020.
Born in Elyria on September 9, 1938, he was a life-long resident of the city and a 1957 graduate of Elyria High School.
A veteran of the United States Army, Dick had been employed as a technician in the City of Elyria’s Engineering Department for more than three decades. He retired from the municipality in 1999.
He joined the Lorain County Sheriff’s Auxiliary in 1975 and served the organization as a member of the Dive Team as well as a certified NRA Firearms Instructor. At the time of his passing, he was the oldest member of the auxiliary. Dick was also extremely active with Operation Open Heart of which he was a life member.
He was a dedicated parishioner of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Elyria Township where he served as an usher, organized the annual 250 Club dinner, and volunteered countless hours toward the church’s Lenten fish fries. Dick was also a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Holy Name Society and was honored twice as the organization’s Person-of-the-Year.
When presented with free time, he enjoyed golf, traveling to Florida with his friends, and casino junkets.
He is survived by his son Richard S. (Angela) Pozywak of Elyria, and granddaughters Gabrielle Smith, Olivia Pozywak, and Maria Pozywak. He also leaves his sister Marilyn Kenzik (Leo) of Elyria and sister-in-law Dolly Pozywak.
Dick was preceded in death by his wife Darlene (nee Smith) in 1993, father Walter Pozywak in 1984, mother Mary (nee Bashak) Lonca in 2000, step-father Alex Lonca, and brother John Pozywak.
Friends may call in St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church – 41295 North Ridge Road, Elyria Township on Monday June 29th from 9:30 until the time of a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Reverend John C. Retar, pastor of the parish will serve as celebrant. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery where military honors will be conducted by Amvets Post # 32 of Elyria.
Contributions in his memory may be directed to the St. Vincent de Paul Holy Name Society, 41295 North Ridge Rd., Elyria, OH 44035.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel. To share your memories and condolences with Dick’s family, please visit www.gluvna.net.