Richard John (Rich) Karbowski

Richard John (Rich) Karbowski Oakley, CA Rich was born February 9, 1946 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and passed peacefully in his sleep on December 18, 2024 at the age of 78 in Brentwood, California following a struggle with dementia, complicated by a broken hip. Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Mildred and Irving Karbowski, his only sibling, Robert (Bob) Karbowski, and his beloved son, Brent Karbowski. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sharon, his loving son Todd, beloved grandsons Travis, Hunter, Dillon and KC Karbowski. He was also honored that three of his nephews, Frank and Joe Tanner and Cole Waite, also grew up calling him “Grandpa”. He also lovingly left behind sisters-in-law Marilyn Karbowski, Kim Waite (Walter), Tammey Tanner (Earl), brother-in-law Greg Nydegger (Kathy), nephews Ron Karbowski (Karen), Jason Waite (Krista), nieces Lynne Walker (Chuck), and Mary Nydegger, several great nieces, great nephews and cousins. Rich was blessed with a large family of relatives and friends who loved him dearly and will remember him always as a big tease who laughed often and loved to spend time with all of them. He was forever delighted they also gifted him with several other “names of endearment” like Unk, Uncle Richie, Goose, Gunk, Pop and Poppers, just to name a few. His infectious smile and kind heart will never be forgotten. Rich was a proud 60-year member of Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 393, where through his working years he served in elected positions as inside guard, e-board member, and delegate to state and national conventions, throwing up his welding hood for the last time and retiring in 2001. Through his life, he found joy in many activities that included camping, RV trips, hunting, boating, and collections of many kinds. He followed his sons and grandsons though several sports and scouting adventures, volunteering where he could – and then spending most of his last years at his favorite and most long-lasting passion of fishing. In accordance with his wishes, a private family graveside service will be held at St. Paul’s Cemetery in Chicago Park, CA on January 11, 2025, with a small gathering in the spring for neighbors and close friends at his home. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory to Alzheimer’s Association or charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Richard John (Rich) Karbowski

February 9, 1946 - December 18, 2024