Father Richard Jozwiak, a priest of the Diocese of Saginaw, died on Jan. 23, 2026 in Saginaw. He served generously as a priest for more than 66 years. Father Jozwiak was known for his joyful personality and generosity in serving the people of God.
Father Jozwiak was born on Dec. 9, 1931. He is the son of the late George and Veronica (Krawczak) Jozwiak. Father Jozwiak received his elementary education at St. Rita School in Saginaw. He received his secondary education at St. Joseph High School in Saginaw. He began his priestly formation at Saint Mary's College in Orchard Lake, Mich. In Rome, while residing at the Pontifical North American College, Father Richard completed his Philosophy and Theology studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University.
Father Jozwiak was ordained to the priesthood on Dec. 20, 1959 in Rome by Archbishop Martin John O’Connor.
Father Jozwiak served at St. Hyacinth, Bay City; St. Agnes, Pinconning; St. Stanislaus Kostka, Bay City; St. Michael, Pinconning; Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mount Pleasant and St. Josaphat, Carrollton. He also served as the director of vocations for the Diocese of Saginaw. Father Jozwiak became a senior priest on July 18, 2011 and continued to serve as sacramental minister at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Church, Vassar; Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption, Saginaw and St. John Vianney, Saginaw. A full obituary is available at the Snow Funeral Home Website.
Funeral and visitation details
Father Jozwiak’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, January 29 at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption, 615 Hoyt Avenue, Saginaw. Most Reverend Robert D. Gruss will preside and Father Frederick Kawka will serve as homilist. Priests of the Diocese of Saginaw will concelebrate the Funeral Mass.
A private Rite of Committal will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Saginaw.
Visitation will take place at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption, 615 Hoyt Avenue, Saginaw on Wednesday, Jan. 28 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., with a Vigil Prayer Service at 6 p.m. led by Father Bill Rutkowski and Father Matthew Gembrowski. Visitation will also take place at the Cathedral on Thursday from 10 a.m. until time of Mass.
Memorials are requested for the Priests’ Retirement Fund of the Diocese of Saginaw which provides for Senior Priests in Saginaw. Please share memories and condolences with the family at snowfuneralhome.net.
Thoughts from fellow priests
“Father Richard was a faithful priest to the very end, who took seriously the words spoken at his ordination, ‘You are a priest forever’. His love for the Diocese of Saginaw and its people were evident in the ways he continued to serve long after his retirement. Father Richard was an example of faithful, self-sacrificial love. He will be greatly missed.- Father Matthew Gembrowski
“Fr. Richard was a faithful servant priest, loved and greatly respected by his parishioners, brother priests, Bishop for whom he served and all of the people whose lives he touched not only during his years serving in parishes but even during his years of retirement. He was an active pastor in every parish where he was assigned, meeting the challenges of parish life head on, whether it was working with school issues, building issues, or parishioner concerns. He was level-headed, down to earth, and practical in all of his endeavors. He took pride in his Polish heritage and in his knowledge and experience of having studied in Rome. He shared these through stories of his experiences and leading many pilgrimages giving people a chance to experience them too. He leaves a legacy of enduring priestly service well into his retirement years. We grieve his loss but rejoice in having been blessed by God with his friendship, priestly service, and being a model disciple of Christ to us.”- Father Bill Rutkowski
“Father Jozwiak was my family's pastor before I was born in Pinconning. I have five older brothers. One day, Father told mom ‘Keep those boys coming.’ I was the next one. Years later, when I was entering seminary, he said, "I remember you from Pinconning." I had to tell him that I was not born yet.
“As a priest, I subbed for him one time at St. John Vianney and I told the people, "When I grow up I want to be like Fr. Jozwiak." His joyful fidelity to his priesthood has always been a great inspiration to me. He was one of the giants. I am very grateful for his priesthood and I pray that he would be welcomed into the arms of Jesus.”- Father Andy LaFramboise