Richard Stephen Jankowski, Sr.

Richard Stephen Jankowski Sr., 83, passed away Saturday, November 25, 2023, at his home in Louisville, Kentucky with his wife at his side.

He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Jankowski and Josephine Mrowczynski Jankowski, daughter-in-law Janis Dove Jankowski, and several beloved uncles. Rich was the loving husband of Terry Morgan Jankowski, and father of sons Richard Jr. (Debbie), James, Michael (Jennifer), Mark (Nancy), daughter Denise (David), step-daughter Jessica (Philip) and step-son Josh (Hope). Rich was blessed to be grandfather to 15 wonderful grandchildren, 1 great grandson, and a friend to many.

Visitation will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home (235 Juneau Drive Louisville, KY 40243) on Thursday, November 30, 2023 from 2pm-8pm.

A funeral mass will be held at St Bernadette's Catholic Church, 6500 Saint Bernadette Avenue, Prospect, Kentucky 40059, at 11am on Friday, December 1, 2023. Military honors and interment will follow at 2:30 pm at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central in Ratcliff, Kentucky.

Native of Camden, New Jersey, Rich made Louisville his home in 1995, retiring from the Department of Defense after 30 years of service. From his Catholic upbringing to his military service, throughout his DOD years and many other volunteer works along the way, Rich has been a patriot, community leader, and friend to many.

As Chief of the Camden County New Jersey Fire Department, he participated in many fund-raising events, from pancake breakfasts at the fire house, to playing the role of Santa Claus each Christmas, visiting the homes of sick children in the district. In addition to being "Chief" at the firehouse, Rich served as Chief of the Camden County Fire Training Academy for 10 years. He also served for many years as a Chief Judge in the annual New Jersey Fire Departments Parade. And in a brief move to Arizona in his post-retirement years, he reprised his role of Santa Claus in Sun City West, where he was bookkeeper for the community library. Along the way, he played accordion in a band, and served a number of years in the Knights of Columbus.

Rich was always an overachiever, with an ever-ending curiosity about everything. His philosophy was to learn everything you could about everything; you never know when you'll need it. And he was always willing to share that information.

Rich's parents came from Poland with their parents through Ellis Island. He was raised with a strong Polish Catholic heritage. He attended St. Joseph Catholic Church and School in Camden, New Jersey, where he completed his first 12 years of schooling.

He continued in the Catholic faith throughout his life, most recently as a member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Prospect, Kentucky. A treasured highlight of his Catholic faith was meeting and receiving a Blessing from Pope Saint John Paul II, when he visited Philadelphia.

During his career with the Department of Defense, Rich had many successes. His work was instrumental in the success of the Apollo Space Suit program, where his team researched and prepared the original astronaut suits worn by Neil Armstrong and others during the moon landings. As logistician, he had an office in the White House during President Ronald Reagan's administration. His team was responsible for placement of supplies for the troops in the Gulf War. As chief of technical operations for the Department of Defense, he guided the development of body armor, Kevlar helmets and vests, and new chemical protective suits.

These experiences allowed Rich to travel around the world, often with the troops on board military planes, helicopters, and the occasional aircraft carrier. Outside of his work duties while in DC, Rich felt honored to witness and photograph the funeral events surrounding the death of President John F. Kennedy, including viewing his casket lying in state in the Capitol Rotunda, and the funeral procession to Arlington Cemetery.

In Rich's most recent years, he was blessed to meet and work with Bob Bailey, retired Security Director for Churchill Downs. Bob and Rich shared a brotherhood through military and fire services, and became treasured friends. Rich patrolled the Clubhouse, then later served as a member of the Security Management team, providing the escort around the track during Derby Week for Kentucky Governor Paul Patton, his wife, other guests, and their security detail. Not to overlook the real stars of the show, Rich made sure to visit the backside and provide peppermints to Silver Charm and other equine friends.

To share a memory of Richard or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.