Richard Zawacki

Richard Aaron Zawacki, 64, passed away on Monday morning, August 10, 2026, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Indiana, following a tragic accident at his home. He was surrounded lovingly and in prayer by several family members and passed peacefully at the dawn of the morning, as always, on his own terms.

Richard was born on September 16, 1961, in South Bend, Indiana. From his very first breath, he was spirited, ornery, mischievous, passionate, intelligent, fierce, funny, creative, and sometimes difficult—but more often than not, loving to all he held dear.

He filled his family and friends’ ears and hearts with creative stories about the many colorful lives he lived. He wore many hats during his adventurous life, including a stint in the U.S. Army, which he loved to talk about; traveling the country like a gypsy with the carnival for many years; driving tow trucks and dodging angered car owners during late-night car repossessions; working security and as a door bouncer at a local pub; and, primarily, driving a semi over the road for decades—usually with his late wife, Jackie, beside him and their dogs along for the ride.

Richard is survived by his five beautiful daughters: Amy (Darren) Gonzalez, Katie (Keith) Weaver, Katy (Corey) White, Lynn (Seth) Scott, and Jessica Zawacki; his grandchildren, Gabby, Victoria, Charlotte, Jason, and Amethyst; and his siblings, Russell Zawacki, Elizabeth “Liz” (Tom) Rich, Raymonda “Sam” (Mark) Smith, Kevin (Amanda) O’Dell, Timothy “Tim” (Lisa) O’Dell, and Kathleen “Kat” (Chris Morey) O’Dell. Richard also had 15 nieces and nephews, with special acknowledgment specifically for his niece Laura (Turrell Mcdaniel) Rich for all her assistance and loving help the last few years. He additionally had several great nieces and nephews, numerous cousins, uncles and aunts. Richard loved to brag that he came from a very large functionally dysfunctional blended family, often with a chuckle but with love.

Richard was the beloved husband of Jackie Louise (Holmes), and they were united in love for over 3 decades. His heart was unrepairable after her unexpected passing on November 21, 2023.

In addition to Jackie, Richard was preceded in death by his father, Richard Alex Zawacki; mother, Esther “Sue” (Swift) O’Dell; stepfather, David O’Dell; sister, Michelle Ann McCay; brother-in-law, Jim Rudicel; maternal grandparents, Howard and Kathern (Vernon) Swift; paternal grandparents, Stanley “Tiger” and Dorothy (Albertson) Zawacki; uncle Stanley "Gene" Zawacki, one of his favorite aunts, Karen “Kio” Swift; and last but certainly not least one of his favorite uncles, Rex “Flower Child” Swift, who unexpectedly passed away less than ten hours prior to Richard on Saturday, August 8, 2026.

Cremation has taken place with no formal services at this time for Richard. The family is planning a private celebration of life at a later date. Cruz Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Humane Society of St. Joseph County.

To light a virtual candle, share a story of Richard’s life, or extend a message of comfort to his family, please visit the Guestbook.