Richard "Rich" Zajkowski

Richard "Rich" Zajkowski, age 84, of Lorain, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Ganzhorn Suites in Avon.

Born February 28, 1940, to Harry and Mary (nee Braleski) Zajkowski, Rich lived in Lorain his entire life. Rich was a 1958 graduate of Lorain High School. He worked for the former Lorain Products for many years until his retirement in 2005. Before this, he worked at the Lorain Coal and Dock Company, which later became the Lorain Pellet Terminal.

He was a St. Stanislaus Catholic Church member until its closing, then St. Peter Parish in Lorain.

Rich was more than just a tinkerer, he was a master troubleshooter. His passion for working on cars and his home was a testament to his dedication and skill. He could fix and remodel just about anything, a true testament to his love for his hobbies. 

Rich's boating enthusiasm led him to purchase a salvaged wooden cabin cruiser in the 1970s. The two-year restoration project was extensive, and his kids often assisted him with sanding and varnishing. After the completion, he and his family spent many summer days cruising and perch fishing on the boat.

Above all, Rich cherished his family. His love for them, especially his grandchildren, was a guiding light in his life.

Surviving is his wife of 64 years, Dolores (nee Mroski) Zajkowski; children, Robert (Lori) Zajkowski and Deborah (Brad) Dill; grandchildren, Bradford (Alexis), Alexis, Brenton, Collin, Evan, Lauren, Antoinette, and Aaron; daughter-in-law, Sue Zajkowski; brother, Tom (Gloria) Zajkowski and sister, Elaine Scagliozzo.

Besides his parents, he was also preceded in death by his son, Richard "Rick" Zajkowski, on February 11, 2024, and his brother-in-law, Phil Scagliozzo.

Private services were held. Dovin Funeral & Cremation Specialists in Lorain handled the arrangements.