Richard Michael Pniewski, a 21-year resident of Naples, Florida, died suddenly of heart related problems at Physician’s Regional Hospital on May 23, 2020. His beloved wife Kathy was by his side.
Richard was born at Art Center Hospital in Detroit, Michigan on May 11,1948. He graduated from Manchester High School in 1966. While an undergrad, Richard had an impressive record both in the classroom and out. He was president of his class in his freshman, sophomore, and senior years, and was a student council member his junior year. Active in sports, he played prep baseball, football, and basketball. Upon graduation from high school, he attended the University of Michigan on a football scholarship. Later, during college, he moved on to playing baseball for the U of M.
Upon completion of college, he joined the Washtenaw Sheriff’s Department and was with them for 20 years. During his tenure, he received numerous letters of commendation and honors for his distinguished service.
Upon moving to Naples, Richard joined a security force for a very prominent Naples family until his passing. In 2007 Rich married his beautiful wife of 13 years, Kathy Pniewski. They exchanged vows on the beaches of Maui, with Kathy’s son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Amy Drown, and Rich’s cousin Judy and her husband, Pete, in attendance.
Richard was also President of the Sonoma Lake Association in the Vineyards, where he shared many friendships and was the life of all the parties. Once you met Rich, you had a loyal and trusted friend for life. Richard will always be remembered for his kind heart and larger than life personality.
Richard is preceded in death by his father, Elwood Pniewski, his mother, Anne Pniewski, (Jasanko) and oldest brother Kenny Pniewski. His surviving brother, Gary Pniewski, resides in Denton, Texas along with his wife, Carol, their children, and grandchildren. Also surviving is Richard’s wife, Kathy, of Naples, Florida, and stepson and daughter in law, Brian and Amy Drown from Tujunga, California.
Friends may call at the Fuller Funeral Home on Pine Ridge Road, Naples, on Thursday, May 28th. 2020, between the hours of 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, Richard would have loved donations made to the Dutchman Firefighters Association, P.O. Box 668, Manchester, MI 48158.