Richard Francis Zolecki

Richard Francis Zolecki, lovingly known to his family as Dad and Papa lived a life defined by faith, family, service, hard work, and love. Born on January 28, 1933, in Lemont, Illinois, and passed away peacefully on June 7, 2026. Rich grew up during the Great Depression, learning lessons of perseverance, responsibility, and sacrifice that would guide him throughout his life.

Rich was fiercely proud of his country and his service in the United States Marine Corps, where he served honorably as a Sergeant. Once a Marine, always a Marine was more than a saying to him—it was a way of life. The values of honor, discipline, loyalty, and service remained with him long after he left active duty and became part of the example he set for his family.

The greatest blessing of Rich's life was his family. He shared a loving marriage of more than 72 years with his beloved wife, Annette, who was his partner, best friend, and the love of his life. Together they built a life filled with laughter, adventure, and unconditional love. When Annette passed away on January 1, 2026, Rich felt the loss deeply. Though he continued to cherish the family they built together, he missed her every day. Those who knew him could see that a part of his heart had gone with her. It brings comfort to know that he has now reunited with his beloved Annette, the woman he loved so faithfully for more than seven decades.

Rich was also a devoted father to his daughters, Sandy and Marcia, who meant the world to him. He took enormous pride in watching them grow into remarkable women and treasured the special bond he shared with each of them. Their family home in Lawrenceville, Georgia, became the backdrop for countless memories that would last a lifetime. He was not only their father but also their teacher, protector, role model, and biggest supporter. Sandy and Marcia looked up to him with admiration and love, and he cherished every moment spent with his girls.

Rich's strong work ethic led to a successful career serving as Material Director at the General Motors manufacturing plant, in Doraville, Georgia. His years of leadership and dedication earned him the respect of coworkers and supervisors. Even after retirement, Rich’s connection to his General Motors family remained as strong as ever. He devoted countless hours to the General Motors Executive Retirees Club, serving in a variety of roles before ultimately becoming its President. One of his greatest joys was organizing the club’s Monday morning retiree breakfast, a cherished tradition that brought friends and former colleagues together. Rich treasured the camaraderie, fellowship, and lifelong friendships the club provided. True to his character, he generously gave his time and energy to ensure the club’s continued success and growth, enriching the lives of those around him just as he had throughout his life and career.

Following retirement, he devoted himself to another labor of love—expanding the family's beloved lake home. Much of the work was done with his own hands. Rich possessed a rare ability to build, repair, and improve just about anything. Whether it was a broken dishwasher, a faulty engine, a home renovation, or an RV stranded on the side of the road, he was always the first call.

The lake house became one of Rich's greatest gifts to his family. He built it not for himself, but to make room for children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives, and friends. The home became a gathering place filled with laughter, stories, fish fries, boating adventures, fishing trips, and many summer days spent together. Rich wasn't someone who sat back and watched life happen. He was right in the middle of it—driving the boat, baiting the hooks, helping with projects, teaching life lessons, and creating memories.

Rich’s love for adventure found a new chapter when he and Annette purchased an RV. Together, they traveled across the country he loved so dearly, creating experiences while enjoying the freedom of the open road. Their greatest trips were often those shared with their grandchildren, who joined them on many unforgettable journeys. The bonds formed and cherished moments made along the way remain among the families most treasured gifts.

More than his accomplishments, people will remember Rich for his generosity, dependability, and selflessness. If someone needed help, he showed up. If something needed fixing, he fixed it. If family needed him, there was never a question—he was there.

Rich leaves behind a legacy of love, sacrifice, hard work, and family devotion. He showed those around him that success is measured not by titles earned or money accumulated, but by the lives touched, the memories created, and the family nurtured.

He was a proud Marine, a devoted husband, a loving father, an extraordinary grandfather and great-grandfather, a gifted craftsman, and a loyal friend.

He was truly one of a kind.

And for everyone fortunate enough to know him, they simply do not make them like Rich anymore.

He is survived by his daughters Sandy Morris and Marcia Burrell (husband Steve Burrell); his grandchildren Rich Burrell (wife Samantha), Jason Burrell (wife Katie Burrell), Caroline McKown (husband Joe McKown), Christopher Morris (wife Natalie Morris), Daniel Morris, and Rebecca Alvarez (husband Andrew); and his great-grandchildren Brian, Jack, Courtney, Noah, Vivian, Brooklyn and Paloma. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Annette; his parents Casimer Zolecki and Caroline Zolecki; his brother Eugene Zolecki and sister Caroline Laketa; his granddaughter Sandy Burrell; and his son-in-law Tommy Morris.

Rich will be laid to rest at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia, a place of honor for those who have served.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Extra Special People Inc. in memory of Richard Zolecki.