We are sad to announce the death of Richard John Cyzewski, beloved husband, father, grandfather, mummer, and friend to many, on December 31, 2025.
Richard was born in Philadelphia, PA, on August 15, 1930, to Paul and Rose Cyzewski. He attended Northeast High School, and was a star player on their basketball team. One of his first jobs was at the iconic Stetson Hat Company where he met their most famous customer, John Wayne.
Richard proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. during the Korean War. His difficult to pronounce last name was changed to Ski by a Parris Island boot camp Colonel. It became Richard’s life-long nickname. After proudly surviving boot camp, he was stationed at the Pentagon as a staff car driver, responsible for providing specialized transportation services for high-ranking officers, distinguished visitors, and command staff. His most memorable passenger was Neil Armstrong who Ski described as the nicest guy he met in the Corps.
The love of Richard’s life, his soulmate for eternity, is Margaret (Maggie). This September will be their 60th wedding anniversary. During their early years they owned a boat yard, enjoyed boating in a small cabin cruiser, traveled, and had lots of fun. In 1971 they welcomed their daughter, Colleen. Richard lovingly nicknamed her his “Little One” and to his dying day would move mountains for her. She gave him two grandsons, Cullen and Aidan, who filled his heart with love, joy, and pride.
Richard drove a tractor trailer for 35 years. He began his career with Branch Trucking and later worked for Western Kraft, Bellmawr, NJ, where he retired. He loved driving and worked hard to provide for and spoil his family. Richard was a longtime member of Teamsters Local Union 676, where he served as a past secretary.
His extended family are the members of the Saturnalian Fancy Brigade. He joined their club in 1971, honored years later as a lifetime member, and in 1987 inducted into the Fancy Brigade Assoc. Old Timers Hall of Fame. On May 19, 2024, the Sats held a special dedication/celebration in which they named their clubhouse the “Richie “Ski” Cyzewski Hall”.
He will be remembered as a gentleman who was kind, funny, loyal, hardworking, faith filled, and respected. Richard was preceded in death by his father, Paul Cyzewski, his mother, Rose Cyzewski, and his son-in-law, Brian Steele. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Cyzewski; daughter Colleen Steele; grandson Cullen Steele, and grandson Aidan Steele.
Relatives, friends and fellow mummers are invited to Richard’s viewing on Saturday morning, January 24, 2026 from 9 to 10:45 AM at St. Joachim Parish: Annunciation Church, 601 W. Browning Road, Bellmawr, where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM. Interment will follow in New St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr.
Donations in his memory can be made to a charity of your choosing.
Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Richard J. Cyzewski. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries may be made through: McCann-Healey Funeral Home, Gloucester City. Ph: 856-456-1142