Richard Rysiek Godlewski

Richard "Rysiek" Godlewski, age 90, passed away on May 2, 2020  due to COVID19. Beloved husband of Alfreda, nee Antosiak; loving father of Helen (John) Brownfield and Rich (Sonja); proud grandfather of Natalie (Daniele) Brizzolara, and dear great grandfather of Gianluca and Antonella.  Cherished brother of Krystyna Niemiro and the late Joseph "Ziutek" (Lonia) Godlewski.  Fond uncle and great uncle of Marek, Elzunia, Terenia (Steve), Krysia, Janek (Sandy), Dan, Becky (Bruce), Lydia, Gracie, Kasia, Gabriela and Iza.  Born in Poland, near Wilno (Vilnius), his family survived the Soviet arrest and deportation of Poles during WWII to the Siberian gulags.  After amnesty was granted, the family fled to Kazakhstan and arranged for passage to refugee camps in Pahlevi and Tehran, Persia  at which time his father joined General Anders' Army. The family was later relocated by the British to resettlement camps  in Valivade, India  and Market Harborough, England.  He was very active in scouting and  later studied agriculture in Scotland.  He immigrated to the US in 1955 and worked as a cement mason. He met his wife in Lubenham and they married in Chicago in 1959. He enjoyed gardening, travel, playing bridge and his canasta club.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Polish Scouting Organization of Illinois, 6434 W Belmont Avenue, Chicago, IL 60634  www.zhpchicago.com/donacje   Funeral services are private and provided by Sourek Manor Funeral Home, 5645 W. 35th St, Cicero, IL 60804.