•RICHARD VALERIAN

GWOZDZ December 16, 1933 - May 6, 2024 

Richard Valerian Gwozdz, 90 years old, left his earthly home peacefully on the morning of Monday, May 6, 2024, at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Valerie and Ray Runge in Houston, Texas. Richard was born at home on Oak Street in Rossford, to Valerian and Helen (Knurek) Gwozdz. Richard grew up in Rossford, where he met and married Phyllis Ann Stanford. Early in their marriage, Richard enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean War. He and Phyllis together raised six children all the way from Ohio, Maryland, South Carolina, New Jersey, Australia, Texas and New Jersey. Richard retired from Mars Inc. and they moved to Keowee Key in Salem, South Carolina. They were blessed with 45 years of marriage before Phyllis passed away in 1998.

Richard enjoyed an active retirement at Keowee Key, South Carolina. It was there that he met and married Sara Turner in 2000, and together they were happily married for 16 years, before Sara passed away unexpectedly in 2016. During his retirement, Richard volunteered his time as a child advocate for the state of South Carolina for 19 years. He believed in community service and was active with the local food pantry and was a Eucharistic Minister.

He loved boating on Lake Keowee, playing bridge, playing poker, bowling and having family and friends visit.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Phyllis Gwozdz (Stanford); sister, Joyce Kovach; brother, Kenneth Gwozdz; brother, Dennis Gwozdz; daughter, Pamela Gwozdz, and wife, Sara Gwozdz (Turner).

He is survived by his son, Dennis Gwozdz (Susan); daughter, Laura Gwozdz (Ron); daughter, Valerie Runge (Ray); daughter, Kathleen Gwozdz (Mike); son, Keith Gwozdz (Kathleen); stepson, Kyle Turner (Susan); stepson, Merrill Turner (Mary Ann); 16 grandchildren, 20 greatgrandchildren, and nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The Celebration of Life for Richard Gwozdz will be held from 4 to 8 p.m., on Sunday, May 26, at Evelyn’s Park Event Center (located behind Betsy’s), 4400 Bellaire Avenue, Bellaire, Texas 77401. Valet parking will be provided.

The family would like to welcome all to join in the celebration of Richard Gwozdz’s life.