Richard "Dick" Walter Guzal's Obituary
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Richard Walter "Dick" Guzal, age 77, of Remus, Michigan, who passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 12, 2026.
Dick was born on March 6, 1949, in Lexington, Michigan, to Stanley and Mary (Molesworth) Guzal. As the oldest of four children in a devoted Catholic family, he was raised in Belleville, Michigan, where he developed a lifelong love of music. He proudly played the drums and one of his favorite memories was being invited during his sophomore year of high school to perform at the Big House with the U of M Marching Band.
Following high school, Dick enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1968. Excelling on aptitude tests, he pursued training in flight simulation and information technology. While serving his country, he married the love of his life, "his first wife”, Sandra Jean Rich on September 6, 1969. Their love story began on a blind date when Sandy was just 15 and Dick was 18, and together they shared 56 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion.
Dick was known for his incredible work ethic and willingness to tackle any challenge. Throughout his career, he worked as a drywall installer, siding contractor, television repairman, short-order cook, and successful real estate agent after earning his real estate license in the early 1980s. Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1972, he continued working in information technology for several companies and eventually owned his own computer software and logistics businesses.
Above all, Dick was devoted to his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sandy (Rich) Guzal; his children, Rick (Emily) Guzal, Cyndi (Lionel) MacKenzie, and Ryan (Hallie) Guzal; daughter-in-law Jenn Fox; grandchildren Austin, Grant, and Ashley Guzal; Spencer, Seth, Sam, Olivia, and Olexa MacKenzie; Owen, Ben, and Ella Guzal; his sisters, Sister Helen (Ruth Anne Guzal) of the Holy Cross and Larene (Mark) Odom.
He was preceded in death by his cherished daughter, Sarah Jean Guzal; his brother, Doug Guzal; his mother, Mary Rechis; stepfather, Al Rechis; and father, Stan Guzal.
Dick embraced life with enthusiasm and adventure. Alongside Sandy, he spent more than 30 years sailing their sailboats, creating treasured memories on the water. He was a certified scuba diver, an avid hunter, and faithfully traveled to Colorado every October for 43 consecutive years. Whether at home or traveling, Dick never met a stranger. Friends often joked that he knew someone everywhere he went—a true example of "three degrees of separation."
Among his karaoke friends, he was affectionately known as "Diamond Dick" for his unforgettable renditions of Neil Diamond classics. His kindness, generosity, sense of humor, and genuine interest in others made lasting impressions on everyone he met. He was a phenomenal friend who never forgot to check in on those he cared about and a loving husband, father, grandfather, and role model.
Dick’s funeral mass will be held on July 17, 2026 at St. Michael Catholic Church at 11 a.m. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral mass. Father Michael Alber as Celebrant.
In lieu flowers contributions may be made to St. Jovite, Tunnel to Towers, or St. Jude.
Dick's legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the friendships he cultivated, and the countless lives he touched with his warmth, generosity, and love. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know him.
Care and arrangements have been entrusted to Janowicz Family Funeral Home - Remus.
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