Richard Leonard Pawlik, Jr.

Richard (Rich) Leonard Pawlik, Jr., 65, passed away peacefully at home on June 11, 2022 with his future wife, Laura; mother, Jeanette; children, Dawn and Richard III (Ricky); and sister, Lisa, by his side. Rich was born to Jeanette and Richard Pawlik, Sr. on April 6, 1957 in Buffalo, New York.

Growing up, Rich was a member of the 4-H youth organization, where he showed sheep. He was a Buffalo Bills fan his entire life and his favorite saying was "Da Bills!" Upon high school graduation, Rich enlisted in the Air Force. While stationed in the Philippines, he met his late wife, Winifred (Winnie), and together they had two children, Dawn and Richard, III. After Rich lost his wife, he continued to serve his country and raise their young children on his own. His last duty station was at Hulburt Field; Rich loved his country and served proudly for sixteen years. Settling in the Fort Walton Beach area in 1990, he met his lifelong soul mate of thirty years, Laura Hagan. They were brought together for a reason and successfully raised their four children, Leo, Dawn, Ricky, and Josh. Although not the "Brady Bunch", they survived the challenges of raising children through some of the toughest years and planned to marry at the end of this year.

Rich was self-employed for the last thirty years; he started Richard's Hood Cleaning and later opened the Neighborhood Cafe with his son, Ricky, in 2005. Rich always said "you can accomplish anything with hard work" and "always put family first". Rich and Ricky wanted to create an atmosphere where everyone felt like family. Rich appreciated the dedicated employees and loyal customers whom he considered part of his family. His son will continue to be diligent in keeping Rich's vision for the neighborhood Cafe alive and to make him proud. Rich had a big heart, beautiful smile, contagious laugh, magnificent soul, and loved his family passionately. He will be loved and missed forever, but will live on through his beautiful children and grandchildren. To know him was to love him.

He is preceded in death by his father, Richard Pawlik, Sr.; stepson, Josh Hagan; brother-in-law, Greg Hinson; and late wife, Winnie Pawlik. He is survived by his future wife, Laura Hagan; mother, Jeanette Pawlik; daughter, Dawn and husband, Steve Caldarelli; son, Richard, III and wife, Bobbi Pawlik; stepson, Leo Hagan; sister, Mary and husband, Rick Regula; sister, Cindy and husband, Paul Bracci; sister, Lisa Hinson; many nieces and nephews; and nine, wonderful grandchildren: Makayla, Connor, Mia, Jasa, Ian, Richard IV, Winnie, Oksana, and Lylah, whom he spoiled, loved, and enjoyed every moment with them. Rich was Absolutely the best Papa Ever to all his kiddos!  

A Celebration of Life will be at a later date.