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Richard J. "Polka General" Towalski
Richard J. "Polka General" Towalski
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Richard Towalski Obituary
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Nina Jankowski
June 5, 2025
Thought prayers are with you and family! Thank you for the fan pin. Love to see people were happy with his music's and his bands! Missed, The Polka General Band by all of us. Prayers send
Nina Jankowski
March 17, 2024
Nina Jankowski
March 16, 2024
My condolences! My thought prayers are with you and family!
Love his Polka musical styles! I was his top fan! Miss dancing !
Thank you, Mr. Towalski for beings friend with me and my friends! Miss you and your family! Thank you! God blessed!
Nina J. Jankowski
Nina Jankowski
March 16, 2024
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Kenneth Cekosh
May 18, 2020
Never met him in person, but loved his music. RIP
Arlene Gotfryd
May 29, 2001
Richard will be missed by all. He was a great friend. Always laughing, smiling and smirking. He loved his music, that was his life and love. I'll miss him and will keep him in my prayers. His music will last forever for all of us that loved him. Richard may you rest in peace.
Steven Wolniakowski
May 26, 2001
I saw Li'l Richard at Five Holy Martyrs Carnival a few years ago. I enjoyed his polka music,and radio shows. His music will live forever. My condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.
Chris, Chrissy, and Elizabeth Schwarz
May 7, 2001
Long live our Polka General in our Polka Hearts! We will miss Lil Richard dearly. He has brightened our days and will continue to do so every time we hear his songs!
Chris, Chrissy, and Elizabeth Schwarz
anthony kaminski
April 24, 2001
Sincere condolences to the Li'l Richard family from the management and staff of WEW in St. Louis, Mo especially from the gang at the Polish Polka and Polka+ Programs. Be assured Richard, your music will always be a part of our makeup
Joan Payne
April 13, 2001
Heartfelt sympathy to the Towalski family and Marsha.
I will never forget all the good times with Rich and his band playing for us at the Tangier's on Archer Ave. The jam packed boat cruises we had together and the many dinners at Tony's. He was a great promoter. His loyal fans followed him from North to South. His unique style of music and sly little grin was loved by many and will be missed by all. Being his friend for so many years was an honor and an experience. Never to be forgotten. He has a special place in my heart forever.
laura cieslak
April 11, 2001
lil richard had a unique a style about himself. composed many songs which were a delight to hear and sing along. good lookin too! we are sad to loose another of the good guys.
PJ
April 7, 2001
May he rest in peace.
seth drzewicki
April 6, 2001
wow! What a sad day it is for polka music. In honor of Lil Richard, I would like to offer a short story.
I am the host of the Sunday Morning Polka Show on 89.1 fm from 7-10am here in mic-michigan.
Lil Richard happend to be passing thru our neck of the woods this past october on his way to a gig. Richard, who we didn't personally know, called me and asked me to go to coffe. Unfourantley, I had to turn him down. But, what a true gentleman. My best wishes go out to his family
David Jackson (Lazowski)
April 4, 2001
I had the opportunity to hear L'il Richard play only one time -- in Dearborn, Michigan about 3 years ago. It was Sunday afternoon and a classic polka scene. We were rushing to the dance after doing a radio boradcast and were just unwilling to let another polka weekend go...Then a fine performance of classic Chicago/Honky-style polkas by a true gentleman. Wow! His death is a sad day for polka fans everywhere. Rest in Peace, Brother...
CA's Polka Bob Banoczi
April 4, 2001
Li'l Richard will be remembered every Easter as the polka DJs play his Easter album that he distributed, but he will be missed.
Jerry Darlak
April 3, 2001
Richie was a friend and mentor as he was one of the first bands I played with in Chicago early 60's. Losing another brother of the note (leaves us who knew him well) only memories! May his recordings live on to bring a smile to those who loved him and those who will never meet the "General" May God keep you and our many other late musician friends together and prepared for the last jam session!
Jerry
Kenneth & Marlene Gill
April 3, 2001
You will be missed on the Radio Show. We will keep your music alive.
We all loved your music.
Kenneth P. Gill
Marlene J.(Wilczynski) Gill
International Polka Association
Lenny Gomulka
April 3, 2001
My memories of Li'l Richard date back to 1961-1962. I was introduced to him then by my big brother who was a good friend of his. I played my first radio broadcast with Rich at the Club 505 when I was 11 years old. I still have many pictures and memories of those days. I can recall meeting Eddie Blazonczyk for the first time while I was playing with Li'l Richard at Antoinette Blazonczyk's Pulaski Village in Chicago. Eddie at that time was not yet even in polka music.
Without a doubt Richard was a catalyst for live polka night life in lounges. He's taken polka music into more new establishments around Chicagoland than anyone I know. Among his success in polka music are the 45 years+ he has consistently produced polka radio programs and promoted his band.
Rich, you've touched many of hearts. I realize just how valuable you were and polka music will miss you. Thanks for your friendship and memories. Bog Zaplac.
Always Your Friend,
Lenny Gomulka
Susan McCabe
April 3, 2001
We will miss you Lil Richard. It was a pleasure to hear you over the radio and see you in person at the summer carnivals and Taste of Polonia. Our condolences are sent to your family and your dear fiance Marsha. May you be with God. Bye my friend.
jim miller
April 2, 2001
The Polka feild has lost another polka icon , I can still remember hearing Lil'Richardback in late 70's&80's at Green Vally Ballroom and at Pulaski,my condolences to his family and band members,He could always seem to bring a smile to your face we'll never forget you.
Rich & Alice Cohara
April 2, 2001
Li'L Richard will be missed by all the Polka Dancers.
Charlene Lewinski
April 2, 2001
I had the opportunity to meet the Polka General last year. What a fine gentleman and musician. He gave me a memory I will never forget.
Rest in peace my friend.....
Bob & Agnes Czajkowskyj
April 1, 2001
We express our deepest condolences to the family of Li'l Richard the Polka General, his fellow band members and Marsha. Over many many years Li'l Richard has been our favorite radio personality playing wonderful, happy, sincere Polkas, Obereks, Waltzes, etc..... Our children grew up listening to these traditions every Sunday morning with smiles on their faces. We had great times on his Polka cruizes on beautiful Lake Michigan, Taste of Polonia Fests and New Year's Eve Parties in Chicago. Li'l Richard was a Legend In His Time and of generations to come. We will miss him and his charistmatic personality. We are very greatful to have acquired many of his recordings. Li'l Richard the "Polka General", is no longer among us but his music and memories will remain.
Thank You Richard, Bob & Agnes (Chicago)
Darlene Nowak
April 1, 2001
Our families have known Lil Richard since the 1970's. We will always remember the fun times at Club 505, Jeanette's, the Golden Earring and the boat crusies on Lake Michigan.
Lil Richard has been a great contributor to the polka field!
Our deepest sympathy to the family and Marsha. Lil Richard, may you rest in peace.
The Lukasik and Nowak Families
Phoenix, Arizona
[email protected]
bernie gorak
April 1, 2001
i ahd the pleasure of playing a few job with lil richard. you will be missed by all
bernie gorak
Vegas Polka Mike Muniga
April 1, 2001
Lil' Richard,
We shall miss listening to your Sunday Morning program while passing through the Chicago area from Detroit on the way back to Vegas. You made part of our 2,000 mile trip go by faster.
Thanks for the good music!
Vegas Polka Mike & Rae, L.V.
Louis Blatnick
April 1, 2001
I last spoke to Richard when he attended a Lane Tech High School 25th year reunion committee planning meeting. I was raised around polka music and have listened to his sunday morning show. He knew his business and was determined to change with the times. We have lost a first class showman. Sunday mornings will never be the same. Shalom Li'l Richard.
RANDY SKWIERCZYNSKI
April 1, 2001
L'IL RICHARD I AM GOING TO MISS YOUR LIVE SHOWS AND PICNICS I YOUS TO GO' THAT HAPPY MUSIC REST IN PEACE RANDY
Johnny & Jackie Libera
March 31, 2001
Our deepest sympathies go to the family of Li'l Richard Towalski. He was one of the true personalities of the polka field and was most deserving of the moniker, Polka General. Often duplicated, never imitated. Li'l Richard, may you rest in peace.
Sandy and Matt Lewandowski
March 31, 2001
Our deepest sympathies to his family and close friends.
We had the pleasure of knowing Li'l Richard during our stay in Chicago, in the early 1990's. He was a great entertainer and always brought a smile to our faces! He surely will be missed.
John Jeski
March 31, 2001
Lil Richard provided a great deal of happiness to many. We'll all miss his music.
We have added a special tribute webcast to our show page in his memory. It will remain available through Easter.
May he rest in peace.
John Jeski
http://www.johnjeski.com
Ted Okrzesik Jr.
March 31, 2001
Richie will indeed be missed by many in Chicago and elsewhere - count me among those who considered themselves one of his close friends. He was a great polka promoter and polka DJ. He also recorded many polka albums over his many years as a polka star - I believe the number was around 27 albums! He had a small but extremely loyal following in Chicago - I would see them virtually every time I had the opportunity to play with Richie and the Polka All-Stars. To Marsha, Lottie, Artie, Ed & Lucille, Anita, little Donald and family, Vito, Frankie and Eddie (of course), and to the many others who escape memory for the moment - I join you all in your grief at the passing of this remarkable person and truly legendary musician. For myself, I will miss him dearly. Dobra noc and goodbye, my friend.
Teddy "O" Jr.
josephine majewski
March 31, 2001
TO RICHARD "POLKA GENERAL" I WILL ALWAYS HAVE THE WONDERFUL MEMORIES THAT WE SHARED TOGETHER. I WILL MISS YOUR WONDERFUL MUSIC BUT I STILL HAVE YOUR CDS AND CASSETTES TO TO ENJOY FOREVER.THANK YOU FOR BEING MY FRIEND.I WILL MISS YOU GREATLY.MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY GOES TO JEANETTE & BROTHER JOE...
frannie johnson
March 31, 2001
since i could not go to see you play.but i would always listen to your beautiful polka music on the radio.i would never miss it. it gave me great pleasure just to hear you sing and play.thank you for being my friend.i will miss you greatly.i will always listen to your music even if you are not here.
stanley and sylvia majewski
March 31, 2001
lil richard,
we thank you for playing a special song when we went with josephine to hear you play a special polka when we were here from las vegas.we will meet again someday and we can hear you play again.god bless
TOM COSS
March 31, 2001
A GREAT Loss to the Polka Music World for sure.He will be GREATLY missed by ALL.This man did a LOT for Polka Music with his Polka Band and his radio shows too.I would always play his music when I had my radio shows.May GOD Bless his family Always with His LOVE and His PEACE And May He Always Rest in PEACE,AMEN.Thank You Very Much, From,Tom Coss,The Tom Coss Polka Place Website, Meriden,Connecticut 06450 http://www.tomcoss.net
joanne & edward arlauskas
March 31, 2001
thank you for giving us a special time when we went to chicago to hear your band play for us.you gave us a very good time.we will miss you greatly now that you are in a special place.
Jo-J0 Vesnesky
March 31, 2001
Our sincere sympathy to the family.
Karen and JoJo Vesnesky
Greg Durski
March 31, 2001
My memories of The General recall the days when I was with Gerry Tarka's Midwest Sounds and the dances that Gerry and The General sponsored. WONDERFUL and GREAT times! And when I was still in South Bend IN, the locals there just literally "ate up" his "Pizza Pie Polka"!
Eternal rest grant unto him Oh Lord. And let Perpetual Light shine upon him! God Bless and rest in peace General!
JOHN NALEVANKO
March 30, 2001
WILL MISS THE POLKA GENERAL AS I AM SURE ALL THE POLKA FANS IN CHICAGO AND THRU OUT THE COUNTRY WILL . REST IN PEACE.
YOUR PA. POLKA PAL.
LIL JOHN NALEVANKO/WKTW RADIO
Bill Gula
March 30, 2001
Lil' Richard was a great polka promoter and a good friend. I have had the great fortune of performing with his band on many occasions, enough so to have accumulated a whole wardrobe of "Lil' Richard Gear"! He had a great sense of humor and didn't mind my immitations of him. I had a blast being his harmony voice on those many band jobs. I will miss him greatly.
Jim Kucharski
March 30, 2001
Lil' Richard will be remembered for bringing polka music to clubs that have never had polka music before. I will remember the times he played at the Personality Lounge in Chicago; nobody could sing "Pizza Pie Polka" and "Zielony Gajiku" like he could. And I will remember his greatest album: "Wine, Girls, and Good Times".
Lil' Richard will be missed by the polka world; there will never be a person quite like him. I wouldn't be suprised if he is looking down on all of us while playing cards with Stas Mikrut and Joe Koldon.
May Chicago's Polka General rest in peace................
The Mrofcza Family Embassy Liquors & Tap
March 30, 2001
Our entire family had the distinguished pleasure of sharing many enjoyable hours with "L'il Richie".
Our friendship dates back to the 50's, of course none of us are really that old, especially when we're dancing to the polka music of "L'il Richie" and the polka allstars. Our family was extremely blessed in that the GOOD LORD allowed our path's to cross during this earthly journey. "L'il Richie" was a kind generous man who was always there to listen, laugh, advise, encourage, and sometimes even cry. He truly loved people and had a passion for playing and promoting polka music. I'm sure he served as a mentor to many. Over the year's "L'il Richie" became one of our family. "L'il Richie" had a gift of always making you feel good about yourself. We'll all miss that intense smile and hearty laugh. Our deepest condolences to his family, to Marsha, and to the thousands of friends and fans who also share in this loss. Thanks for all the enjoyable memories. May GOD illuminate your soul. Happy Birthday !!!
The Mrofcza Family (Embassy Liquors and Tap)
David Gajda
March 30, 2001
I remember listening to his radio show. when was a little kid and still listen to it til this day. I'll miss you rest in peace.
David G.Gajda
theresa and john pawlicki
March 30, 2001
our condolences to the family and band members who played with little richard, i'm sure he will be greatly missed by his many friends
Keith Stras
March 30, 2001
Li'l Richard was a unique individual and one hell of a polka promoter. 24 years ago he gave me my start on Chicago Polka Radio. I have alot of found memories of Chicago's Polka General. He left us much too soon. The happiness he brought to others will ive forever.
I'll miss him....
Ed Rajewski
March 30, 2001
I had the pleasure of meeting Lil Richard back in the mid 70's. He helped me get my Polka Show going.
He was a good friend. He will be missed by all the people that he touched. God Bless You.
Roger Lichwala
March 30, 2001
I met Richard many years ago in Chicago at Bel-Aire Days. The "Polka General" will be missed.
Play them one for me Rich.
Dick Pillar
March 30, 2001
The polka world has lost another
major influence and contributor.
The polka general's legacy lives on as he now leads the polka troops
and fans in Heaven.
T. Ron Jasinski-Herbert Polonia Today
March 30, 2001
Li'l Richard displayed an unparalled zest for life and a sincere dedication to the polka field. He will be sorely missed by his thousands of friends and fans.
Henry Langlois
March 30, 2001
I met Richard many years ago in Chicago at a Polka dance. We became good friends. Richard was a real gentleman and a great Polka musician. I will miss him dearly. Richard, may you rest in peace.
Krissy Lorenz
March 30, 2001
We will miss you very much and your great polka music! My condolences to you and your family and also to Marsha
Raymond Rizzo
March 30, 2001
My parents had albums of his work, my sincere condolences to his family.
Steve Litwin
March 30, 2001
Li'l Richard was a integral part of polka music, its history and development. His contributions, muscially and personally, will live on for years to come.
Our sympathies to his entire family.
Steve Litwin
Polka Editor
Polish American Journal
Buffalo, NY
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