Richard R. Kaczmarek

Richard R Kaczmarek, 88 of Latham, was called home to our Lord's welcoming arms, on June 24, 2026. He was born in Schnectady on 7/11/1937. Dick was the beloved son of Rudolph and Lottie Kaczmarek. Dick "BoBo" graduated in 1955 from Nott Terrece High School. He enjoyed summers in Amsterdam visting his cousins Regina and Bobby. Growing up, you could always find him on the basketball court in Schnectady's Central Park, or playing football, baseball or hockey. Dick attended AIC in Springfield, MA on a full football scholarship. After playing 2 years, he came home, and attended Siena college, taking night classes in business, while working full time. Dick met the love of his life, Jean O'Dea, in May of 1958, in Lake George, where they would return every summer and throughout the year, with their daughters and extended family. They were married 59 years before Jean's passing in 2018.

Dick had a long career in the carpet business. Starting in 1960 at J G Myers, in Albany; on to John B Hauf's on Central Avenue; and Robinson's Furniture in Schenectady. He then worked at Mooriadian's in Albany, and Modern Carpet on Broadway in Albany. And finally, at the Home Depot's carpet and home furnishings department, on Central Avenue, and then a greeter at the door. He retired in 2017. He loved working and meeting people. Loved being a greeter as he saw so many people he knew, family members, and children who came in with their parents. His customers were loyal and followed him wherever he worked. He never met a stranger. Dick also sold fence at Cape Cod fence in Latham, and the AFSCO Fence in Latham. He and our mother, had an incredible work ethic, that taught our family the values of hard work and dependabilty.

Dick was a devoted son, brother, cousin, nephew, husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, son-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle, Godfather, and friend. The O'Dea family welcomed him into their family. He considered in-laws, family, and loved each and everyone unconditionally. He loved his nieces and nephews, and their children. Loved going to any sports event, cheering kids on, and letting a coach know if a call was unfair. Growing up, my sister and I never wanted for anything. He took us and our friends, and then his grandsons, every where. From the time we were little, Hoffman's playland in Latham was a favorite place.

Dick was predeceased by his wife Jean. His parents, and parents-in-law, his sister Barbara, Dolores (Edwin) Mrozek, his nephews Mark, Gregg, Bruce, David, Bob and Paul. His beloved O'Dea family: Eleanor (Joseph), Patricia (O'B), Marilyn (Tony), Leo (Betty), Mary (Harry), Rita (Paul), Ted, and Gerald. And his beloved brother-in-law Rich Ridgeway. Heaven has all the men card players there now.

Dick is survived by his devoted daughters Karen (fiance Robert Klemish), Kristine and son-in-law Edward Camadine, and his beloved and adoring grandsons, Jake (Julia Forget) and Max Camadine. His sister-in-law Eileen (Willis) Roach, and brother-in-law Steve Stamas, all his nieces and nephews, their spouses, and their children, and friend PJ Duclos.

Dick did not want a wake or funeral. He did not want those he loved to be sad or crying at his passing. He wants us to remember him in good health, and the good times. He lived a very long, fairly healthy life. He appreciated each day. He also wanted all his fb fans to know how much he appreciated all the messages, kindness and prayers you bestowed upon him. He did want to mention it would be good for all his nephews who are Boston Red Sox fans, to watch a Yankee game. And hopes the Yankees win the series and pennant this year. For him.

At this time, we'd like to thank The Shaker Place, and Colleen Masa, NM Whittaker unit, and her devoted staff, for taking care of our father, with the utmost respect and caring nature, especially when he needed it most. We could not have wished for a better place for him to be. And to Dr Patrick Caufield, thank you for your care and calls regarding our father. And a thank you to the staff at the former St Peter's LTC 3rd floor unit. Greatly appreciate all his caretakers kindness towards him.