Richard Edward Laskowski

Richard Edward Laskowski passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 16, 2025, after a long and fulfilling life, following a lengthy, hard-fought battle with Alzheimer's disease. Beloved father of Deborah, Kathryn, Richard G., Gail, and Linda. Adored grandfather of thirteen grandchildren: Ashlen (Phil), Renee, and Madisen (John), children of Deborah and John Meyer; Adison (Amanda) and Krystal (Joey), children of Kathryn Laskowski and Phil Herrera; Brooke (Chris) and Colin, children of Richard G. and Chantal Laskowski; Tyler (Vanelli), Joshua (Andrea), and Chad, children of Gail Laskowski and Ken Norkus; Lauren, Eric, and Morgan, children of Linda and Allen Plass. Cherished great-grandfather of four: Raelen, Austin, Matthew, and Mason. Survived by his younger brother George Laskowski. Preceded in death by his parents, Ignatius and Stella; brother, Lawrence; and his deeply treasured wife, Joanne (deceased 08/18/2022).
Born June 14, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, to Ignatius and Stella (Findysz) Laskowski, Rich attended St. Roman Elementary School and St. Rita High School in Chicago. At the age of ten, Rich joined his father to help his uncle with a project-to relocate his uncle's hardware store to a larger space on the city's north side. Assisting with the move and later spending weekends doing odd jobs at the store planted the seed for what would become Rich's lifelong passion: he dreamed of one day opening a hardware store of his own. Years later, after meeting the love of his life, the dream became theirs-and together, they brought it to life.
Rich married the woman who brought him the greatest joy and purpose, and whom he loved endlessly, Joanne Homolka King, on September 9, 1961. They celebrated sixty years of marriage together, which began with a move to Downers Grove, IL, for a short period of time. On July 1, 1962, they purchased a 4,000 square foot Ace Hardware store in Round Lake, IL, and relocated to the area to be close to their new business venture. A true partnership, they worked together serving customers by day while pricing products and stocking shelves in the middle of the night.
Rich was a determined and dedicated provider for his family, having had five children with Joanne in a little less than seven years. After their first born arrived in January, 1963, Rich continued working long hours to grow their small hardware store, while Joanne stepped away from the business to focus on managing their home and caring for their children.
Rich instilled in his children a deeply rooted work ethic by modeling the discipline and drive it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur. Growing and developing a dedicated management team and staff over the years, including several of his children and their spouses, Rich leaves behind a business legacy that now includes 10 Laskowski Ace Hardware locations in Lake and McHenry Counties. He was always immensely grateful for his loyal customers and the commitment of his managers and staff, in particular the many individuals who worked for and with him for decades.
Rich was a remarkable businessman and civic leader. He served as a Trustee for the Village of Round Lake for 8 years. He was a member of the Round Lake Lions Club and several area Chambers of Commerce. In addition to running his own growing number of Ace Hardware stores, he proudly served on the Board of Directors of Ace Hardware Corporation from 1987 to 1998, including the last six years as Chairman of the Board, a role he cherished and fulfilled with honor.
There was a time when Rich was an avid bowler, but in his later years he traded his bowling ball for golf clubs. He relished golfing, cigars, wine (often preceded by a Southern Comfort Old Fashioned), good company, spirited business conversations, summers in Williams Bay with the family, winters in Arizona with Joanne, and being surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Visitation Wednesday, August 27, 4:00-8:00 p.m., at Colonial Funeral Home & Crematory, 591 Ridgeview Dr., McHenry (815-385-0063). Funeral Mass and burial Thursday, August 28, 10:00 a.m., at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and Cemetery, 2302 W. Church St., Johnsburg (815-385-1477). All are invited to go directly to the Church for the Mass.
To honor Rich's memory, the family kindly requests that donations be directed to the Alzheimer's Association, helping to advance vital research and protect future generations from this devastating disease: https://events.alz.org/s/871/1233 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Richard, please visit our Tree Store.