Search by Name

Search by Name

Richard Zalewski Obituary

ZALEWSKI, Richard, "forever 29," passed away October 17, 2005, in Tampa. Ricky was born to Joseph and Sophia Zalewski in Chicago, Ill. Survivors include wife, Michele Zalewski; siblings, Joseph (Betty), Terri (Phil), Sharon (Gus), Robert (Rose), Annette (Bob), Veronica, Gregory and Paul (Julia); many nieces and nephews; and devoted friends, Ivan and Armando. Ricky was a loving husband, brother and uncle. He was predeceased by his two brothers, Tony and Stanley. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a favorite charity in the memory of Ricky. A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, October 20, 2005, at Gonzalez Funeral Home, 7209 N. Dale Mabry Highway, (813) 931-1833

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by TBO.com on Oct. 20, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Zalewski

Not sure what to say?





Karen Jacobsen

November 2, 2005

I am still reeling in the thought of you being gone. I could not believe it, Chili, Alice, and I were all stunned and upset all day.

He was sure a great guy and we all will remember the 80's and how much fun we all had. He really was a great guy and a handsome one at that, we will all miss for eternity. My condescenses to the Zalewski and extended family

Lisa Giddiens

October 23, 2005

Dearest Richard, I have never met such a kind hearted individual. I will carry such fun and wonderful memories of you always. I know that your smile lights up the heavens. I know you were welcomed with a choir of angels and the loving arms of your Mom, Dad brothers and Sammy. What a party it must've been!! Yet every moment I either hear or see something that reminds me of you. I miss you so much. I could not attend the service or celebration here on earth my mother had surgery. But I already said goodbye in the hospital. You were so peaceful there it broke my heart. It's like a member of my family is gone. I loved you like a brother. You will always be in my heart. Peace to you sweet man. My deepest sympathy and condolences to the Zalewski family all across the country. My thoughts and prayers are with you.



Lisa G

Gabby Sandy

October 23, 2005

Ricky you will always be a loving memory in my heart. This all has come to me as a complete shock! I will always love you and will miss you more than words can say. I send my love and sincere regrets to all the Zalewski family and may they find the strenght to cope with the sudden lose of your passing. God Bless

Jenifer White

October 21, 2005

Ricky ~



You were the brightest of stars on even the darkest of nights. You brought with you laughter and a sense of greatness whever you went, and I am a better person for having known you. You accepted me into your life and your world when it was difficult for others to do so, and you did it with open arms and a smile. For that, and so many other reasons, I will always love you, and though I am not blood family, I feel as though I also lost a brother. The world seems somehow smaller without you in it, but we take comfort in knowing that you will grace the Heavens with your light, and that you are now at peace with Sophia, Joseph, Stanley, Tony, and your beloved Sammy. I pray that you spend eternity with the same sparkle and flair as you have always had, and that God and your Heavenly family keep you safe and happy until we meet again... Love You, Miss You!

Rich and Linda White

October 21, 2005

We will forever remember the laughter and joy you displayed in Las Vegas, Ricky! That smile, that laugh, the energy you always had will be missed. Our sympathies go to your family!

Jenny Mitchell

October 20, 2005

Richard, may you rest in peace with Sammy!

Angi Wang

October 20, 2005

Richard, you will forever be in all of our hearts! You have brighten so many faces with your energy and have changed so many people with all your colors (yes, this also goes for hair!)!!!!! I will forever miss my daily visits to you - always a guarantee to make me laugh!!!

Thank you so much for my fabulous hair, our friendship, the great laughs, and your over-the-top energy! We all love you so!

Jenny Mitchell

October 20, 2005

Richard, you will forever be remembered! I will never forget the long nights at the Salon drinking your favorite white wine... you are you sarcasm... your smile...My thoughts and prayers are going to your family, Ivan and Shelli. I wish I could there to celebrate your life but due to the Hurricane my flight has been cancelled but I will be with you in my prayers. You will always be remembered!

Lelia McDiarmid

October 20, 2005

Richard...Ricky always full of fun and love!!! Your endearing friendship and Heart will be sorely missed! Thank you for all that you have been to me! I will miss you more than words could ever express!! You are irreplaceable!! See you on the other side my friend!!..Luv Lelia

Mark Mitchell

October 20, 2005

Richard, you have always been one of the kindest, most giving people I have ever met with the wit and sense of humour unmatched in this universe! You will be deeply missed by many many people!

Jenny Weigle

October 20, 2005

Richard, I still can't believe that I'll never get to see your smile or hear your witty sarcasm again. I will always treasure our friendship and memories over the last 8 years. I'll continue to pray for your family, Ivan, Armando and Shelli, that they may find some kind of peace in all of this. And don't worry, I'm not going to wear black to your "party". Because I know that if I did, I'd hear you yelling at me from above. Love you babe.

Mona and Angela Baker

October 20, 2005

Richard you will be missed. You touched our lives and made us all fell so special. We love you and you will always be part of us.

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results

Make a Donation
in Richard Zalewski's name

Memorial Events
for Richard Zalewski

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Richard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Richard Zalewski's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more