Richard Kaminski

Richard Joseph Kaminski (Sr.) of Kansas City, Kansas passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 4th, 2023, at his home surrounded by his Wife Lorrayne, and his children at the age of 84 of natural causes.

Richard was born on March 4th, 1939, in Kansas City, Kansas to Edward and Nellie Kaminski. After graduating from De La Salle Military School in Kansas City, Missouri (1956), he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp serving 4 years and being honorably discharged as a Sergeant. In 1962 Richard joined the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department. He worked in the parking Meter Division and then started serving as a Patrolman in December of 1962. Richard worked his way through the ranks to the rank of Captain in 1973 until he retired in 1993. During his career with the Police Department some of his favorite accomplishments were his involvement in creating the Neighborhood Watch Program, CB Radio Civilian Patrol Group and involvement with many community groups. Richard was also responsible for the Kansas City, KS Police Department becoming a fully accredited Law Enforcement Agency in 1992. During this time period he also earned his Associates of Arts Degree from the Kansas City, KS Community College and his Bachelor of Science and Master’s Degrees from Wichita State University. Richard received numerous awards and commendations while serving on the department. To mention a few the KMBC TV Channel 9 Meritorious Award of Valor for life saving attempt of an individual from a burning vehicle and in another incident for doing CPR on a 12-year-old boy who had fallen off a roof. Commendations for starting business and neighborhood community groups throughout the city.

Richard was known for being a hard-working man doing anything needed to provide for his family. While working at the Police Department he also owned and operated a Neighborhood Grocery Store at 10th & Ray known originally as Basey’s Market and eventually Kaminski’s Market. He also ran a catering operation out of the store. During this period, he was known to be a kindhearted caring community member to several families helping in any way he could. After his retirement from the police department, he continued to work for the Unified Government of Wyandotte County running the security department. He also operated a private security business at Jack Cooper Transport in Fairfax who hauled all of the vehicles for General Motors for over 25 years.

As a Community Member Richard served as the Wyandotte County Commissioner from 1993-1997. One of his proudest accomplishments was serving as a School Board Member for the Kansas City, KS School District for 28 years.

As an amazing family man nobody was a finer example and mentor than Richard. Richard married JoAnn (Dorian) shortly after returning from the Marine Corp. Richard and JoAnn loved to travel and loved taking their family on vacations. They had 4 Children Rick, Randy, Ronnie and Jodi. Richard and JoAnn were married for 52 years until JoAnn passed away in 2012 with Richard by her side. Rick and his wife Michelle (Mickey) have two children: Jacob (Rachael) and Katie and 4 grandchildren, Briggs, Barrett, Maggie and Mickey. Randy passed away in 2016 and was married to Rhonda. Ronnie and his wife Angie have two daughters, Allison who is married to Josh Overby and they have 2 Children Annie and Jane. Ashley Sledd, who is married to Mike Sledd and they have twin daughters Lillian and Evelyn. Jodi Baker is married to Gerald. Jodi has a son Parker Miller who is married to Alexandria and are the proud parents of Rory.

In 2016, Richard married Lorrayne (Magadan). Richard was truly happy once again to have someone to share his life with and love. Richard and Lorrayne enjoyed going out to dinner, to the casino, and dancing at the Moose Lodge. Lorrayne lovingly and unselfishly cared for Richard for the past several years as his health deteriorated. Richard’s Family truly appreciates her for her faith in God all that she has done for their Dad so that we could have him around as long as he lived. Thank you for fulfilling his life and the promise that he would pass away at his home. God Bless you for everything.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents Edward Kaminski and Nellie (Rucinski), his brothers Raymond and Sylvester (Emily) Kaminski, his sister Bernadine Kolich (George), his wife JoAnn (Dorian) and his son, Randy.

Richard is survived by his wife Lorrayne (Magadan), Sons Rick (Mickey), Ronnie (Angie) and Daughter Jodi Kaminski Baker (Gerald). His Sister Carol Yankovich (Jim). Grandchildren Jacob Kaminski (Rachael), Katie Kaminski, Allison Overby (Joshua), Ashley Sledd (Mike), and Parker Miller (Alexandria). Nine Great Grand Children Briggs, Barrett, Maggie, Mickey, Annie, Jane, Lillian, Evelyn, and Rory. He also has several nieces, nephews and cousins.

We will all truly miss him. As a friend wrote: Your father was a tough old guy, Marine, Police Captain and just a good old manly man. To paraphrase General Patton, we should not be sad, but celebrate that we had people like him.