Richard “Rico” Gromek

RICHARD J. “RICO” GROMEK age 63, beloved husband of the late Mary M. “Mindy” “Mindo” (nee Spackman); loving father of Richard J. (wife Kristy), Christopher, Matthew, Nicholas (wife Sarah) and Hallie (husband Jeff Laycock); devoted grandfather of Taylor, Declan, Ben, Lucas, Patrick, and Ella; cherished son of the late Stanley and Mary Rose (nee Karbowski); dearest brother of Joseph (wife Barbara), Stanley (wife Angie), and the late Joanne Stevens (husband Larry) and Frank; treasured son-in-law of Adrienne (nee Kofron) and the late Thomas Spackman; dear brother-in-law of Kristen and George Tash, Elaine Eberlin, Tim and Jean Spackman, Susan and Tom Pekoc, and the late Kelly Tonti; fond uncle, great-uncle, and friend of many.

Rico was born in Cleveland on July 4, 1956 and passed away on May 15, 2020.  He graduated from Cathedral Latin High School in 1974, attended Kent State University, and worked in sales. Since 1991 Rico was a member of St. Gregory The Great Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, where he was active in coaching and parish bingo. Rico was an avid fan of Cleveland sports teams and horse racing, and enjoyed playing cards, softball, volleyball, and bowling. He also loved to cook. Rico was a gentle, easy-going soul, but also funny and witty. He was very welcoming, generous, and hospitable. Rico was the “life of the party” and always lived in the present moment, never worrying about tomorrow. He will be missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the family for funeral expenses. Contact the family for details.

Prayers of Christian Burial Thursday, May 21, 2020 at 11 AM at THE FUNERAL HOME.

Due to the current pandemic, Thursday’s service will be held as a private family event. You are welcome to join through this Zoom broadcast starting at 10:45AM.

ZOOM ID: 89156932570

Password: Gromek

Burial following at Lake View Cemetery. You can join us for the burial service by arriving at the Funeral Home by 11:15 AM to be placed in the procession. Please remember to social distance at the cemetery. After the service (1:30 PM),  please join the family at 1388 Argonne Road South Euclid, 44121.

Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Rico at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF SOUTH EUCLID, 4600 MAYFIELD RD. (just east of Green Rd.) WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2020 from 4-5 for at-risk individuals and 5-8 PM for the general public.