Richard Robert "Rick" Adamowski, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, proud scientist, educator, and lifelong learner, passed away surrounded by the love of his family on Saturday, January 24, 2026.

Rick showed an early passion for science, famously asking for a microscope as a child. He earned an associate degree from Joliet Junior College, a bachelor's degree in chemistry with a teaching certificate from Lewis University and later completed his master's degree in chemistry from Roosevelt University. Early in his career, he served as a teacher at Reed Custer High School and then worked for many years as a chemist, supervising a laboratory and mentoring others in his field. Following his retirement, Rick returned to education, teaching mathematics alongside his son and daughter.

Rick was a faithful Byzantine Catholic whose life was guided by faith, hard work, and devotion to family. He quietly lived his faith through service to his parish, serving as a church usher and taking great pride in cutting the grass at the church graveyard. He coached his sons' legendary baseball teams for many years, a role he cherished deeply, using the game to teach teamwork, discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship.

After retirement, Rick loved woodworking, gardening, caring for houseplants, taking care of his cats, and helping raise his grandchildren. Rick enjoyed golfing whenever he could and cheering for the Chicago Bears and White Sox. He had a deep love of the game of golf and greatly admired Jack Nicklaus.

Rick shared a true and everlasting love with his wife, Bonny, whom he had been with since childhood. They were married during the Blizzard of 1967, a story he told with great pride and affection. Together, they built a beautiful life rooted in love, faith, and partnership, raising five children and sharing a bond that endured through every season of life.

Preceded in death by his son, Ehon; his brother, Tom; his parents, Tom and Helen; his wife's parents, Edward and Mary Minarich; and his brother-in-law, Edward "Deek" Minarich.

Survived by his beloved wife, Bonny (nee Minarich); son, Kyle (Stephanie); daughter, Amerika (Brandon Hull), son, Quinnlin, and daughter, Xara (Dane Bogal); grandson, Ethan and granddaughter, Sasha; niece, Jackie Adamowski-Wilson; aunt Stella Burnetti; numerous cousins; and many extended family members.

The family extends special thanks to Dr. Lakhani for many years of dedicated care, to Nurse Amy with VITAS Hospice for her compassion and support, and to his priest, Father Thomas Loya, for years of spiritual guidance.

Rite of Christian burial for Richard will be held Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Church, 14610 S. Will Cook Road, Homer Glen, IL 60491 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, February 2, 2026, from 3pm – 8 pm at Farkas Funeral Home, 3201 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet with Parastas Services at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Annunciation of the Mother of God Byzantine Catholic Church.