Richard “Beany” Zelasko

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, great uncle, and friend. Richard “Beany” Zelasko, affectionately known as Papa, Uncle Beany, Mr. Z, Mr. Rich, Z-Bird and Toots, passed away surrounded by his loving family. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Richard lived a life rich in service, humor, and stories that could fill a room with laughter.

Richard was a Police cadet before proudly serving as a Detroit Police Officer, dedicating years to protecting and aiding the city and community he loved. As a police recruiter, he took great pride in mentoring and shaping future members of the Detroit Police Department, ensuring the values of service and honor lived on. His dedication to helping others reached far beyond his years on the force. Richard volunteered with the Boys and Girls Club in Detroit, mentoring and encouraging youth to believe in themselves and their potential. He served as President of the Boys Club Alumni Association and was a full time coordinator for the Business United with Officers and Youth (BUOY-4) program focused providing engagement opportunities for youth over the summer.

Throughout his life, Richard had many passions. Handpicked directly by the North Pole, he proudly served as one of Santa’s helpers. Leveraging his work with the Detroit Police Department and the Boys and Girls Club, he brought smiles to countless children each Christmas season including his own. He took this assignment with pride and was always ready to step in for family and friends when Santa was in a pinch. Later in life, he even delighted his granddaughter Madilyn and many friends and family. A Christmas memory never to be forgotten.

Following in his father Henry’s footsteps, he found joy in the thrill of pigeon racing at a young age. Henry’s experience with homing pigeons during World War II—when trained birds carried vital messages across enemy lines—inspired Richard’s lifelong love of the sport. What began as a family tradition born of military service grew into a pursuit that Richard mastered with skill and heart. He was a member of East Side Members, West Side Members and the American Racing Pigeon Union. Over the years, he became known as the one to beat—his birds were in high demand, admired for their remarkable speed, endurance, and lineage. He traveled from the east coast to west coast and back for yearly AU conventions. He made Pigeon Racing friends across the nation and all over the world including Poland, Belgium, England and China. The tradition he carried forward became a proud family legacy and a defining part of who he was.

His steadfast loyalty to Detroit sports was unmatched. Richard cheered faithfully (during all the ups and downs) for the Red Wings and Tigers, never turning down game tickets, even when it meant standing room only. His passion took him far beyond the stands—he traveled to Florida for Spring Training, attended countless games with friends and family and even journeyed to Colorado to see the ultimate rival teams play (Red Wings vs Avalanche)! He shared so many stories of watching Hockey at The Joe and baseball at Tiger Stadium. His knowledge of the history was strong. Richard was thrilled to experience the opening of new sports landmarks, including Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena, sharing the excitement with everyone who loved the game as much as he did.

Richard was a storyteller. Whether sharing a laugh, a cherished memory, or a hard-earned life lesson, he had a unique ability to make everyone feel part of the story. “Papa, tell me a story” became a nightly ritual for him and his granddaughter, Madi, for many years.

Richard will also be remembered for his generosity and warmth. He made friends wherever he went, from kids in the neighborhood to the waitresses at favorite restaurants. He was often caught quietly helping someone in need. In his final weeks in the hospital, even his nursing staff built a special bond with him, listening intently to his stories and laughter that filled the room.

Richard will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, his heart for helping others, and his thoughtful gestures, always sending cards or postcards to let you know he cared. The love he shared with everyone fortunate enough to know him will forever be cherished.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Anni Zelasko and by his in-laws, Stanley and Stella Zdanowski. He is survived by his devoted wife, Liz; his daughters, Bridgett and Danielle; and his cherished granddaughter, Madilyn, who brought him endless pride and joy. He is also survived by his loving sister, Renell, and her husband, Fred, along with many nieces, nephews, family members, friends who are family and ALL the dogs.

A private celebration of Richard’s life will be held on a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association or the Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Michigan, honoring his generous spirit and love for life.

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