With heavy hearts, we share the news of Richard Bruno Grochowski’s passing. He left us peacefully on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, surrounded by his wife and children at the ICU of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. He was 76 years old.
Richard was born on October 14, 1949, in Fort William to Paulina and Bruno Grochowski.
In 1991, he married Bozena (Bartczak), the love of his life. They met at the Port Arthur Polish Hall in Thunder Bay and spent over 35 wonderful years together, building a life filled with love and family. Richard will be fondly remembered by his devoted wife Bozena; his son Steven; and his daughter Nicole (Nate Mc Kenzie).
He is also remembered by his cousins Anna (Jerry) Sworcuk and family, Zenek (Czeslawa) Grochowski and family, along with brothers-in-law and many nieces and nephews in Poland, as well as close friends. Richard was predeceased by his parents Bruno and Paulina Grochowski and his in-laws Zosia and Henryk Bartczak.
Richard studied business at Confederation College before dedicating 31 years to working as an equipment operator at Abitibi Paper Mill. After retiring for the last 19 years, he enjoyed traveling, watching sports passionately, joining coffee circles with friends, and taking life easy. As a long-time member of St. Casimir’s Church, spending time with loved ones brought him the greatest joy.
Everyone will remember Richard for his relaxed demeanor, great sense of humor, and belief that life is best when everyone is having a good time. He will be missed dearly but always remembered. While we grieve this loss deeply, we are thankful for the full life Richard lived and all the wonderful memories he created for us. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the paramedics as well as the ER and ICU staff at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre for their compassion towards Richard and our family during this difficult time. The funeral services will take place on Thursday, February 12, 2026. Family and friends are invited to join for Funeral Mass at 11:00 am in St. Casimir’s R. C. Church (613 Mc Kenzie Street). Interment will follow in St. Andrew’s Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday evening at St. Casimir’s Church from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm with Vigil Prayers starting at 7:00 pm. If friends wish to honor Richard’s memory further, donations to a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated. You can send online condolences to www. blakefuneralchapel. com
Everyone will remember Richard for his relaxed demeanor, great sense of humor, and belief that life is best when everyone is having a good time. He will be missed dearly but always remembered. While we grieve this loss deeply, we are thankful for the full life Richard lived and all the wonderful memories he created for us. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the paramedics as well as the ER and ICU staff at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre for their compassion towards Richard and our family during this difficult time. The funeral services will take place on Thursday, February 12, 2026. Family and friends are invited to join for Funeral Mass at 11:00 am in St. Casimir’s R. C. Church (613 Mc Kenzie Street). Interment will follow in St. Andrew’s Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday evening at St. Casimir’s Church from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm with Vigil Prayers starting at 7:00 pm. If friends wish to honor Richard’s memory further, donations to a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated. You can send online condolences to www. blakefuneralchapel. com
