Richard Kozlowski

Rick Kozlowski, a.k.a. Pops, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 18, 2023. He was the oldest child of Chester and Patricia Kozlowski.  He is survived by his sister Janice Sullivan and her husband George in addition to his children and many grandchildren.  Richard was affectionately referred to as “Pops.” A title earned from a lifetime of love, leadership, and devotion to his family as a single parent. He truly cared about people in general. He adored his three children: Dr. Trisha-Lynn Conway (Jim) of Marco Island,  Fl;  Richard Kozlowski (Michelle) of Las Vegas, NV; and Robert Kozlowski (Linda) of Belvidere, IL.  In 1989 he married Elaine Aalderks, the love of his life and steadfast companion for 28 years.  He also has two step-daughters Elizabeth Mitello (John) of Palos Heights, IL and Tracy Aalderk’s of Wisconsin.  He was a loving Grandfather to Kaitlyn Herman of Sanibel, FL; Kylie (U.S. Marine Reserve Sergeant David) Sevenski of Cape Coral, FL;  and Kyle Kozlowski, U.S. Marine Sergeant John Kozlowski, U.S. Army Reserve Sergeant Justin Kozlowski and Keira Kozlowski, all from Belvidere, IL.  Step grandchildren were Jessica Norden of Palos Hills, IL and U.S Marine Private First Class Alex Streba, Palos Heights, IL. Pops had a deep love of sports, harness racing and competitive poker. He was President of the Scottsdale - Ford City Little League for many years.  He managed countless competition baseball teams and held many accolades and awards for his countless hours of community service.  In addition, he was a semi-professional umpire for years in Chicago’s McKinley Park Men’s Baseball League, along with his father. His other love was dogs. He rescued countless dogs with Elaine fromlocal  shelters. They brought him a great deal of happiness. Pops attended St. Rita Elementary and High School in Chicago.  Upon graduation he went to Northern Illinois University. He worked for R.R. Donnelly for most of his adult life until the plant closed and he transitioned to Harrah’s Casino.  There he was a table games supervisor, table games dealer and trainer. He was truly gifted in mathematical statistics, odds and numbers.  The family has decided to celebrate the life of Pops at a later date. Pop says: In lieu of donations, place a bet on a horse with the third letter "R" and for the Cubs to win the World Series. I'll see you all at the Final Table."
? We love you Pops! You will be missed!