Richard (Ryszard) Frank (Franciszek) Kwarcinski

Richard (Ryszard) Frank (Franciszek) Kwarcinski, affectionately known as “Richie” or “Rysio,” passed peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer at home on December 14, 2025, surrounded by family and his beloved teddy bears. As he passed, a ray of sunlight broke through a cloudy winter sky—reflecting the warmth, kindness, and light he shined here on earth. He was 76 years old.

Richard was raised Catholic and was named after Saint Richard, a saint known for humility, faith, and devotion. In the Polish Catholic tradition, Richard faithfully celebrated his name day each year on April 3, honoring the saint whose life emphasized steadfastness, generosity, and quiet strength—virtues that Richard embodied throughout his life as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

Richard was proudly and wholly Polish by heritage. He was born on June 15, 1949, in Great Britain, where his father was serving with the Polish forces in exile under British command, having fought in the Italian campaign during World War II. At the age of two, Richard immigrated to the United States with his family, arriving by ship through Ellis Island, beginning a lifelong story rooted deeply in the American and Polish experience.

He grew up in Detroit, Michigan, and attended Cass Technical High School, graduating in 1967.Shortly after high school, Richard entered the United States Army, serving honorably as a Military Policeman at Fort Greely, Alaska.

A proud American patriot, Richard deeply loved his country and celebrated all things America and “American-made.” He only drove American made cars (and would give anyone who didn’t a hard time). He wore his American flag pin proudly on his lapel every day, a quiet but constant expression of gratitude for the opportunities this country gave him and the life he built here. He carried that pride with him until the very end.

Following his military service, Richard attended Wayne State University and began a long and successful career with General Motors, where he worked his way up to the role of Senior Reliability Engineer. That title described not only his professional expertise, but also the way he lived his life—reliable, steady, thoughtful, attentive to details, and deeply committed to the people who depended on him.

Richard was Detroit to the core. He was an avid Detroit sports fan, a lifelong automotive enthusiast, and especially proud of his cherished 1985 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS, affectionately known as “the Heavy Chevy.” He drove it for more than four decades, often accompanied by his life-size teddy bear, Cuddles, a reflection of his gentle heart and playful spirit.

Richard was a sweet, caring, and compassionate man with a love for teddy bears (his favorite being “Brown Bear”), big hugs, and making people feel loved and valued. Those same qualities made him a world’s best father and grandfather—one whose deep, gentle, and humble love supported, protected, and cared for his family in quiet, unwavering ways. He encouraged family and friends with his signature “dubble tumbs up,” warm smiles, loving words, and unwavering support. He was also well known for his enthusiastic toasts of “Nazdrowie!”—often raised with a shot glass of Krupnik or can of Stroh’s Beer—and for cheerfully saying goodbye in his own uniquely blended way. Offering “do widzenia,” “dobranoc,” always delivered with a grin and wave goodbye.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Cindy, his daughters, Alicia (Brandon) McKelvey and Celeste (Joe) Stachura, his brother, Roman (Debbie) Kwarcinski, and his treasured granddaughter, Faith (“Squirmee”) McKelvey. He is also survived by extended family and a wide circle of dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ryszard and Kamilla Kwarcinski, and by Bolesław Zagun, who helped raise Richard after the early passing of his father and remained an important figure in his life.

Richard’s life was a testament to faith, reliability, kindness, and quiet joy. And so, with one last smile, one last hug, and one last toast, we say goodbye the way he would have wanted: Nazdrowie, Richie — do widzenia, dobranoc, and until we meet again in Heaven.

A private celebration of life will be held on April 4, with details to follow by invitation.