Richard Gaskey, 95, passed peacefully on October 24, 2025.

Beloved husband of the late Mary Gaskey (nee Machnic) for 63 years, he is survived by his loving daughter, Diane (Nick) Bizoukas; beloved son, Bob (Carol Watson) Gaskey; dear daughter-in-law, MaryKay (Frank) Pukoszek; and dear former daughter-in-law, Amy Gaskey, mother of two of his beloved grandchildren.

His six grandchildren—Lauren Gaskey, Michael Bizoukas, Matthew Gaskey, Alyssa (Justin) Viele, Mia Gaskey, and Ava Gaskey—called him “Gramps” and were the light of his life.

Also surviving are niece, Jill (Dr. James) Ferguson; nephew, Mark (Carol) Machnic; and four cherished great-nieces and great-nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents, Sigmund and Elsie Gaskey; brother James Gaskey; infant daughter MaryDiane Gaskey; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Richard and Penny Machnic; and beloved son, Michael Gaskey.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel of St. Thomas More Church, 8501 Calumet Ave Munster, IN, with visitation in the chapel vestibule from 9:30–10:00 a.m.

Interment will be private.

Rich was a lifelong parishioner of St. Thomas More Church and a proud Korean War veteran. He worked as a machinist before building a fifty-year career in the pump industry, consulting into his nineties. But family was his world. Every breath centered on the ones he loved.

Simple, considerate, selfless, pure-hearted, generous, devout—he approached life with a half glass full and a ready smile. His was a life of quiet sacrifice.

If your name was in his phone, you were getting a call; Rich was a friend to all, checking in on his friends and family every single day.

Rarely seen without his Korean War vet cap, he wore it with pride, and soon discovered it often earned a free breakfast or haircut. He accepted every “thank you for your service” with humble grace, but quietly paid it forward.

Even after his vision faded, he pedaled the streets of Northwest Indiana on his trusted trike—rain or shine, snow or sleet—logging many miles, always circling back home.

Right to the end, he lived life fully.

Every Sunday he rose hours early to be ready for televised Mass, never missing.

Every Wednesday he and Diane arrived two hours early for happy hour at Acoya Troon, claiming his seat among fellow residents, teasing, “Next week I might even dance.”

He did—with the angels—two days later.

Rich now rests in the Father’s house, where Jesus has prepared a place just for him, and where, one day, the family he loved so fiercely will be together again, always with the Lord (1 Thess. 4:17).

The family is deeply grateful to Acoya Troon Senior Living Community in Scottsdale, AZ, and to the heaven-sent caregivers of Phoenician HomeCare and Hospice of the Valley—true angels on earth.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to:

Honor Flight Chicago

9701 W. Higgins Rd., Suite 310, Rosemont, IL 60018 or online at http://honorflightchicago.org

Hospice of the Valley

1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014 or online at http://hov.org