Richard Makowski

Richard Gerald Makowski, age 84 of Warren, died Thursday, December 4, 2014 at Beaumont Hospital in Troy surrounded by his loving family. Richard was born June 24, 1930 in Detroit, son of the late William and the late Sophia (nee Gosztyla) Makowski.Being quite adept with his hands and efficient with tools, it made perfect sense that Richard's career path was centered in the realm of maintenance,…specifically with Fitness USA. It was an expertise he held in the highest regard and one in which his acumen and skills helped him attain the position of Maintenance Supervisor with the company. Even when he wasn't on the job, Richard's talents for building and repairing things was not only revered, but often called upon by loved ones and friends alike. When his kids mentioned anything about home improvement projects, they could always count on their Dad's participation and guidance. He wasn't merely "Johnny On The Spot," but more like the Caped Crusader with his Belt'O'Magic. Whenever Richard was working, that's where his attention was focused. Work would always come first, and the rest later,…and the beer never tasted better than after a hard day's work.Yet, for as serious as Richard was about work, he also knew how to enjoy life away from the job. Like most men in their younger years, he shared a wide-eyed fascination for fast and sporty cars. As the years passed, his fast & sporty tastes became a bit more refined and were now replaced with more sensible modes of motoring,…the kind that made his love of traveling more comfortable. Following his retirement, Richard spent his first 10 years of freedom enjoying the open road and exploring our great country from coast-to-coast. When his choices for entertainment kept him closer to home, they'd often find him somewhere near a body of water. You might have found him feeding his hunger for the love of boating,…perhaps out behind that boat on a set of water ski's,…or maybe just the simpler pleasure of casting his line out at a favorite fishing hole on a sunny, reflective day. Ahhh, but when the water wasn't involved, one of his favorite pastimes was enjoyed by giving Ol' Lady Luck a run on the Poker Slot Machines. And telling the story of Richard would also have to include his love of sports, both the armchair-loving and the participatory kind as well. Of the latter, nothing said fun more than an afternoon or evening down at the local bowling alley tossing a few,…that would be bowling balls, not necessarily the brewski's,…although there was probably quite a bit of both. Richard loved to bowl and found great enjoyment in the wonderful moments and memories made while kegling. From the comfy chair at home in front of the TV came his watching preferences of football and basketball,…namely his beloved Detroit Pistons. Richard was also a lover of music whose tastes expanded and blossomed over the years to include such greats as Barbra Streisand, Cher, and the Vegas Headliner, Celine Dion,…which tells us all that Richard had a lot of class. Yet the most treasured music of all came to Richard each time his heartstrings were played by family. From his beautiful wife to his precious children and grandchildren, they are the ones who made the sweetest sound and brought his soul its sweetest release from the demands of life. He was all about family and creating those special moments and memories that would last a lifetime. Through his love and care, lives were changed and enhanced,…and Richard leaves that love in the hearts and souls of each & every person he was blessed to meet in his journey. He will be truly missed, and loved eternally. Richard was the loving husband of Jeanette "Jackie." Dear father of Mary (Donald) Gindhart, Ann (Michael) Papadelis, Paul (Barbara) Makowski and Patrick (Holly) Makowski. Beloved brother of Joanne Vultaggio. Cherished grandfather of Alexandria and Nicholas Papadelis, and Amanda Gindhart.Visitation for Richard will be held on Monday, December 8th from 3-9pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 1/2 Mile Rd) in Warren. His Funeral Service will be conducted at 11:00am on Tuesday at the funeral home. Inurnment will take place in the Spring at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan. Please share memories of Richard at his memory book above.