Richard Czajkowski (Big Chi/Pops), age 90, of Edison, New Jersey, gave his family one last thumbs-up, then passed peacefully on February 16, 2026, surrounded by the people he loved most.

Born on April 13, 1935, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Richard was the son of Benjamin and Elizabeth Czajkowski. He grew up in Carteret and graduated from Carteret High School in 1953, where he was a standout football, basketball, and baseball player. Shortly after high school, he joined the United States Air Force and was stationed at Westover Air Force Base in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts.

Sixty-seven years ago, he married Jill Hutchins, his "Precious," and together they built a life centered around family, love, and plenty of laughter.

Richard worked at Coppers Company in Port Reading before spending many years as a lab technician at E.R. Squibb & Sons, where he remained until retirement.

Big Chi was big in presence, big in personality, and even bigger in heart. He never met a person he didn't nickname, and if you didn't have one, it was only a matter of time. He loved listening to music, and when it came to food, he kept it simple: nothing beat a great hot dog.

He was a loyal fan of the Yankees and Giants, as well as Ohio State and West Virginia football. He loved watching sunsets on the porch on Long Beach Island and taking long, loud walks with his buddy Jimmy. He often returned home with "treasures" rescued from neighborhood free piles and proudly gifted his findings for his family to "enjoy." He also loved to talk and would spend hours each day calling and checking in with every person in his phone directory - multiple times a day.

His greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren, who doubled as his back-scratchers and foot-rub specialists. In return, he gave them a lifetime of stories and jokes, though the funniest part was always watching him crack up before he even got to the punchline.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Jill (Precious); his three daughters: Lisa Lane (Lee) and her spouse, Jeff (Yuppy); Lynn Lorenz (Hoss) and her spouse, Fred (Freddy G); and Kris Cauda (Chummy).

He is also survived by his eight grandchildren: Lauren Lane (LaLou), Jeff Lorenz (Fella), Drew Lorenz (Rooster), Karlie Lorenz (Kayou) and her fiancé, Clay Hubbard (Oil Pan), Jake Lane (Jakie Junk), Brooke Lorenz (Cookalicious), Jenna Cauda (Gentle Jen), Kacy Cauda (Betty), and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Kathy Piazza (Kathy's Clown).

Those who knew Pops will remember his humor, his nicknames, and his ability to make any ordinary day better. His laughter will echo in our hearts forever. He taught us to keep life simple, love your family, and never miss a chance to make someone smile.

A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 3–6 p.m. at Flynn and Son/Mitruska Funeral Home 23 Ford Ave., Fords, New Jersey 08863. Funeral services will be held Friday at 5:15 pm in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to support research to help cure Type 1 diabetes by visiting www.breakthrought1d.org or calling 800-533-CURE