Richard Stanley Klonowski Sr.'s Obituary
Richard Stanley Klonowski passed away on October 25, 2025, at the age of 81 surrounded by family and loved ones in University Hospitals Parma Medical Center. Born in Atlantic City, New Jersey on August 10, 1944 to Stanley and Frances Klonowski, Rick was the oldest of five: Stanley, Stella, Christine and Ruth. He grew up in Garfield Heights, Ohio, graduating from Garfield Heights High School in 1962.
Following graduation, Rick attended Bowling Green State University before enlisting in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1963. While in the Coast Guard, he met Elizabeth Craig, whom he married in 1967. Together, they raised three children: Richard, Eric and Nichole. Rick served four years aboard the USCGC Mackinaw while stationed in Charlevoix, Michigan, on the Great Lakes before being honorably discharged in 1967, prior to the birth of his first son. He also graduated from Cuyahoga Community College with an associate's degree following the birth of his children.
In addition to his constant involvement in Richard and Eric’s scout troops, Rick worked for multiple insurance agencies, including Klonowski Insurance. However, he spent the majority of his adult life as the owner of Sanguigni’s Di Pizza Shop in Cleveland’s Slavic Village neighborhood. His family remembers the shop fondly as a place of countless gatherings, filled with laughter, stories and togetherness.
He married his wife Vivian Austin on November 7, 2024, after meeting at a mass at St. Bridget of Kildare Church in Parma, OH. Rick’s family will always remember his steadfast dedication to his children and loved ones, and how his countless stories and sharp wit filled every room he was in.
His memory lives on through his five siblings, three children, as well as their spouses, Beth Anne and Amy, granddaughter, Arabella and wife, Vivian.
Rick’s Funeral Mass will be held at St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Parma Heights, OH at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 13, 2025 with a luncheon to follow. His interment will take place at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville, OH at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025
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