Richard Walter Nawrocki

Richard was born in Detroit, Michigan, on June 27, 1931, to his parents Leo and Helen Nawrocki. His grandparents had emigrated from Poland as children. He was born during the Depression in the early 1930s, so their family was fairly poor, and Richard grew up understanding that everyone in the family had to work hard to make ends meet.
In July 1948, 12 days after his 17th birthday, he entered the US Army (with his parent's permission) and served for 4 years in the Korean War (1948 through 1952). He was in the 1st Cavalry – Combat Infantry, 7th Division, 31st Battalion, and was primarily assigned to be a troop transport truck driver near the frontlines. He is a survivor of the Battle at the Chosin Reservoir which is regarded by historians as the most brutal battle in American history due to its violence, casualty rate, -50 degrees below zero weather, and endurance (17 days, November 26 - December 13, 1950).
Upon returning from the war in 1952, Richard met his future wife Margaret. They dated for about 2 ½ years, then were married on October 16, 1954, at Holy Redeemer Church in Detroit, Michigan.
Their first daughter, Cynthia Lynn, was born in September 1955.
Their second daughter, Sandra Ann, was born in August 1956.
Margaret then suffered a miscarriage and a still-born over the next few years.
Their son, Richard Scott, was born in January 1966.
Both Margaret and Richard worked very hard to create a wonderful home for their children.
Both Richard and Margaret worked for the automotive companies in Detroit, Richard for General Motors and Margaret for Ford Motor Company.
It goes without saying, this led to some difficulties when choosing which brand of vehicle to buy.
Well, you can probably figure out, Margaret won most of those discussions, and there were Fords in the driveway 95% of the time.
In 1976, Richard received the swine flu shot which was mandatory at the time by his employer (General Motors). That shot ended up being the catalyst that caused bronchial pneumonia, which turned into bronchial asthma. After two years, 20 doctors, and over 200 different prescription medications, doctors at the University of Michigan determined that the swine flu shot was in-fact the catalyst for Richard contracting asthma. The doctors told him he would have to move to a dry climate since humidity triggered his asthma attacks. So, in August of 1978, the family relocated to Scottsdale Arizona.
Richard's health improved in Arizona, and they began to explore more of the state and decided to get involved with a horseback riding club called the Scottsdale Saddle Club. They made many new friends, and Richard and Margaret were the Horse Show Chairman and Chairwoman for most of the 1980s.
Richard enjoyed playing baseball when he was young, and continued watching baseball (both college and professional) throughout his life. While their son was in college, Richard and Margaret became huge Arizona Wildcat fans. They attended every home football game, and some away games for 32 years, from 1984 until 2016.
Richard and Margaret loved to travel the state of Arizona and see all the beauty this state has to offer. They loved being outdoors. They enjoyed spending time at their cabin in Heber-Overgaard, on the Mogollon Rim.
In 1999, Richard suffered a stroke, so Margaret and her son became full-time caregivers. In 2016, Margaret suffered a stroke as well.
Despite being disabled, they both still enjoyed travelling around the state and seeing Arizona's beauty. They have remained very active and never let their strokes slow them down.
Richard was a strong yet compassionate man. He always worked very hard to provide for his family, at one point in the 1970s, working five different jobs. He worked the midnight shift at General Motors, then worked during the day in our hometown of Farmington Hills Michigan as a volunteer fireman, auxiliary police officer, process server for the courts, and as a business tax collector. He always put others' needs above his own. Richard loved his wife and family, and it showed in his gentle personality. He could be firm when needed, yet he was always compassionate.
Richard loved and was very proud of all of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
He was extremely proud of his daughter's and son's success in their careers, and he was proud of his granddaughter Tracy for becoming a nurse, his granddaughter Jennifer for serving in the US Army, and his grandson Steven for serving in the US Marines Corps and becoming a successful contractor. His great-grandchildren brought him great joy. His great-grandsons, Robert and Elijah, and his great-granddaughter Bailey made him extremely happy. He was looking forward to seeing them through their educations, and onto whatever career path they chose.
Richard lost the love of his life, Margaret, in October 2021. He would tell his son on a daily basis how much he missed her and hoped to see her again.
In November 2024, Richard was able to see his son marry the love of his life, Kami. Richard was so happy to have a "new daughter". He called her Miss Wonderful. Kami loved talking with Richard every day when she arrived home from work. Richard would say, "hey, what are you doing home already?", "is it hot out?", and "how are your parents?"
Richard had cancer back in 2010, but with surgery and chemotherapy, it was in remission for 14 years. The cancer returned in 2024, and it was very aggressive. He had a CT scan on Tuesday, May 21 and a follow-up appointment with the oncologist on Wednesday, May 22 to get the results. The cancer had returned on his liver, and the oncologist felt chemotherapy would not be an option this time. The doctor said he may live another 6 months to a year. He passed 4 days later. He was extremely sick and didn't even know it. That is a testament to how tough he was.
We will definitely miss Richard's amazing sense of humor. He taught us many life lessons. He taught us compassion, responsibility, understanding, and love. He taught us to never remain angry with someone, and always forgive. He made life more enjoyable with his laughter and his smile, and all the love and joy he gave to us.
We will never forget you, Dad.
Thank you for everything.
We love you.