Richard L. "Skeeter" Gajewicz

Richard Lawrin, “Skeeter”, Gajewicz November 21, 1936 - April 6, 2024

Richard Lawrin, “Skeeter,” Gajewicz passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 6 surrounded by family and friends. Skeeter was resilient and overcame many health related obstacles over the last few years, always managing to beat the odds. He died of a broken heart after losing the love of his life only four months prior, Kathryn Amelia Gajewicz.

Born in Toledo, Ohio in 1936 to Raymond B., “Gibby”, and Ortha E. Gajewicz, Skeeter was first a resident of the Lagrinki Polish neighborhood where he attended St. Hedwig parish school. His family later moved to Point Place where Skeeter finished his education at Woodward High School. Following High School, Skeeter enlisted in the United States Navy as a corpsman and security officer. After his service in the navy in California and Virginia, Skeeter came back to Toledo where he worked for Dana Corporation, Spicer Division for thirty years.

Skeeter met the love of his life, Kathryn, “Kathie”, Sieja Pfaff and they were married on December 3, 1965 after a brief courtship. Skeeter and Kathie instantly built a strong family by blending their combined three children and later added another child to the mix. Their marriage blossomed over 58 years. Skeeter was always very proud of his children and grandchildren including their many accomplishments. He attended many sporting events, theater productions, concerts, graduations, and countless parties and celebrations. His smiles and hugs for all his family never seemed to have a limit. Skeeter had a full life filled with memorable camping trips, casino visits, bowling leagues, softball leagues, and trips to Mexico, Canada, and Europe.

During Skeeter’s life, he was a longtime volunteer for many military veteran causes. Skeeter was a lifetime member of the American Legion, Adams Post 553, where he served as commander after chairing many committees, helping to raise money for homeless, disabled veterans, and veterans with families in need. He held the legion and its commitment to helping veterans very close to his heart. Through the legion, Skeeter volunteered to drive veterans weekly to the VA hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He also gave gallons of blood to the American Red Cross and would proudly wear his newest tee shirt as he added more and more volume to his total. He always said that the only reason he donated blood was because they gave him free Lorna Doone’s.

Skeeter was predeceased by his wife Kathryn, his mother and father and sister, (Theresa). He leaves behind his daughter Cheryl (Tom) Borro, son Chris (Gloria), daughter Julie (Moody) Talb, and son Robb (Joyce), eleven grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and dear brother and sister in law, Ron and Shirley Sieja, niece Kim and nephew Keith and their spouses and families. Many dear friends and proxy nieces and nephews were also among those considered family to Skeeter; all of whom will miss his wit, charm, and infectious smile. The stories of Skeeter are legendary and will be shared for generations to come.

Visitation will be held on Thursday April 11, 2024 from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m. in the Thos. I. Wisniewski Funeral Home 2426 N. Reynolds Rd. Toledo, OH. 43615. American Legion Post #553 will conduct a service at 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday April 12, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church 6149 Hill Ave. Toledo, OH. 43615. Interment will follow at Highland Memory Gardens with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hospice of Northwest Ohio. The Gajewicz family wishes a sincere thank you to the staff of Hospice who cared for Skeeter and the multitude of family and friends that poured in to say goodbye during his final days. They were a blessing.

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