Richard Joseph Gecewicz
May 12, 1946 ~ August 20, 2014
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
Richard Joseph Gecewicz, 68, born May 12, 1946, as a Mother's Day baby to parents, Zigmont and Nellie Gecewicz of Brockton, Mass. passed away on Saturday, August 2, 2014, after a valiant battle with cancer. Richard was raised in Brockton and left to serve his country during the Vietnam War. He met and married Sandy Hertneky of Pueblo, Colo. during the Christmas holiday of 1971. Richard moved to Pueblo to live the remaining years of his life in the community. He served in the US Army and Reserves for ten years. He retired from UPS after 20 years of service and then owned and operated his own OTR trucking service until 2007. From 2007, until 2010, he drove for First in Line Logistics and from 2010 to 2013, he drove a school bus for School District #70. He loved every day he spent with the children on his bus.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Edwin and Elsa Beth Hertneky of Pueblo; and his beautiful daughter, Jaydee Gecewicz Bratnick of Pueblo. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Sandy; his 'pride and strength', also known as his son, Jason (Kandace) Gecewicz; grandchildren, whom he referred to during the last year of his life as his 'light and soul', Aubree and Logunn Gecewicz; brothers-in-law, Clark (JoAnne)Hertneky and Scott (Lisa) Hertneky all of Pueblo; sister-in-law, Beth (Mark) Koester of Tempe, Ariz; nieces and nephews, Brian, Valerie, Justin and Lucas Hertneky of Pueblo, Melissa McLaury and Megan Rungie both of Colorado Springs, Colo. as well as his 'very special girls', Laura and Lynn Koester of Tempe, Ariz; cousins, Tom Droukas and Jack (Joyce) Rinkus of Brockton, Mass.; son-in-law, Chris Bratnick; and his adopted mom, who held a special place in his heart for most of his adult life, Marjorie Uphold.
Richard never met a stranger and as such left behind many other people he cherished and enjoyed throughout his life in Pueblo. Rick celebrated and enjoyed his life fully and was most well-known for the extraordinary Christmas display that he did every year in University Park until his illness brought it all to an end. He loved to dress as Santa and liked greeting people as they drove by the house. His daily trip to the nearby Loaf 'N Jug was a mainstay in his life and he enjoyed everyone with whom he spoke to there. He appreciated his fellow District #70 bus drivers and enjoyed surprising them with his antics on a daily basis. Memorial service, 11 a.m. Saturday, August 23, 2014, in the Montgomery & Steward Chapel. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com
Sandy and Jason, Please receive our most sincere condolences on the untimely and very sad passing of Rick.
Twila Cebulski and Connie Cebulski and Family
Sandy and Jason, Please receive our most sincere condolences on the untimely and very sad passing of Rick.
Twila Cebulski and Connie Cebulski and Family
Sandy, there is little I can say to console you, other than I am so sorry you must go thru this loss. Please know that my prayers are with you and your family at this tragic time…. Alicia VanWagenen Schumacher
Sandy and Jason— We are so sorry to hear about Rich. What fond memories of all of us when we were on Mass St. The kids playing everyday, and our Christmas decorating, and chasing people at 1 in the morning. May God touch your soles to give you peace.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Sandy and family – We will miss Rick dearly. From you friends at Loaf n’ Jug and District 70 Bus Barn
Sandy, I was very sorry to learn of Rick’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I have been keeping you in my prayers for a long time. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the service. Take care.
I hope, in time, all the good memories will comfort you and your family. He really sounded like such a wonderful man. All are in my thoughts and prayers.
Hi Sandy. I am so sorry for your loss. Rick was a great guy, who was the perfect balance for you. He was so generous and fun. I remember how well he and Joe got along at your New Year’s Eve parties. I would love to see you again. I am sorry I cannot attend Rick’s service, but I will be thinking of you, Jason and the family. Rest in Peace, Rick.
Dear Sandy, I was saddened to hear of Rick’s passing. He was really a hoot. When Rick and Jason went hunting with us, Mike and I had a great time, we really enjoyed it. I also remember he was the “Life of the Party” when he came with us during the supervision of activities at Pueblo County High School. It is my hope that you will be comforted in your grief by the realization of what a great guy he really was. At least he is not suffering and he is resting in eternal peace. God Bless you. (I would like to come by your house and visit your family, If you would call me I’d appreciate it. My phone # is 250-7814) Sincerely, Ron Runyan
Sandy, my heartfelt condolences to you
Rest in Peace Rick. We will miss you at the bus compound. You always had us in stiches with your costumes and your joking around. The kids on bus t-99 will forever miss you.
Rest in Peace, Ricky Ticky.
I’m so glad we had our reconnect in Arizona.
My best to Sandy, Jason and family
Jil Teawalt
RICK WAS A SPECIAL VERY GOOD AND CLOSE FRIEND TO US WE WILL NEVER FORGET HIM HE ALWAS LOVED COOK OUTS WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS HE MADE SURE ME AND MY DAD WERE OK WE SEND OUR SINCERE THOUGHTS TO HIS WIFE ANDS ON JASON AND HIS FAMILY AND ALL THE REST OF THE FAMILY TOO WE WILL NEVER FORGET THAT SPECIAL DEAR FRIEND RICK.