In Memory
Richard B. Jankowski
Richard B. Jankowski, 83, of South Bend, Indiana passed away on October 26, 2023, in Mishawaka, Indiana. Born on May 26, 1940, in South Bend, Indiana, Richard loved his friends, family and community.
Richard was the son of the late Bert and Bernice (Herman) Jankowski. He was a loving brother to Beverly Dyczko of South Bend, Indiana, and the late Jim Jankowski. Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Ann Marie Jankowski, with whom he shared 46 years of marriage. He is survived by his significant other, Sandy Crowel.
Richard was a proud father to his four children: Andy (Lisa) Jankowski of Indianapolis, Indiana, Jeff Jankowski of South Bend, Indiana, Beth (Jim) Kominkiewicz of Granger, Indiana, and Lisa Jankowski of South Bend, Indiana. His children remember him as always ready to offer advice, make people laugh, and help in anyway at any time. Richard is also survived by his grandchildren, Kelley Jankowski, Josh Jankowski, Steven Jankowski, Melissa Jankowski, Jillian Jankowski, Brandon Kominkiewicz, Jill Shoup, and Matthew Kominkiewicz. Richard was also blessed with 12 great-grandchildren, Juna Pena, Parker Wood, Haley Wood, Cooper Kominkiewicz, Greyson Kominkiewicz, Hunter Kominkiewicz, Addison Kominkiewicz, Kylee Shoup, Cameron Shoup, Oaklynn Burkus, Selah Kominkiewicz and Olivia Burkus.
Richard was a lifelong learner, receiving his Certificate of Professional Engineering after studying at Purdue University. Professionally, Richard was a respected figure in his field. He spent many years as a Certified Professional Engineer at Honeywell. Richard's contributions to the field of engineering have left a lasting legacy, including his patented aircraft landing system bearing test machine and the encapsulated wheel bearing system for the Boeing 777, both still in use today. He ended his professional career traveling around the world, teaching airlines about his 5 aircraft landing system patents.
Richard was an accomplished guitarist and played in a band for 20 years. He was a private pilot for over two decades, and a licensed Lake Michigan charter boat Captain for 13 years. He served as a volunteer Police Officer in Cass County, MI and eventually became Captain. He most recently served as an active member of the St. Joseph County Fraternal Order of Police (Lodge 155).
A memorial service for Richard will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at Palmer Funeral Home – Welsheimer North Chapel. Friends may visit with family from 10:00 am until the time of service. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his honor to the St. Joseph County Fraternal Order of Police (Lodge 155). Donations may be made by calling 574-232-4363 or mailing to 4025 Lincolnway W. South Bend, Indiana 46628.
Posted online on October 27, 2023
Published in South Bend Tribune
10/27/2023 EJS
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