Richard E. Gazenski

Rick Gazenski, 76, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 23, 2026.

Rick was a 1968 graduate of G.A.R. Memorial High School, where he excelled in basketball. He attended King’s College before launching a highly successful career in the insurance industry, beginning with Aflac, then Metropolitan Life, and the Frantz and Benjamin Agency. He later partnered with Rob Hoban to expand a hundred-year-old insurance company, Hoban Insurance, to new heights, from which he retired after 30 years to become Administrator of the City of Wilkes-Barre.

Rick left a substantial impact on everyone he touched and will be greatly missed by the love of his life and wife of 41 years, Pat. He had a special place in his heart for his children, Lori Brittingham and her partner, Tim; Jay Bottger and his wife, Chris; Lynn Blazaskie and her husband, Mike. His grandchildren were the light of his life: Larry Brittingham and his wife, Brittany; Brandon Brittingham and partner, Jackie; Michael and Lauren Blazaskie; Sarah, Luke, Josh, and James Bottger; great-grandchildren, Nora, Corbin, Casen, and Harper; fur babies, Barley and Creed; and his many lifelong friends.

Rick was a man of tremendous generosity and kindness, which afforded him the opportunity to help those in need. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with so much pride and passion; he immensely enjoyed attending all their sporting events and family beach vacations at LBI. He valued his friends, many of whom were from high school and beyond. To know Rick was truly an honor; to be called his friend was extraordinary. His family was the recipient of his warmth, great humor, love, and support. He was truly one of a kind and taught his family courage, humility, strength, and most importantly, to always be themselves. His mantra: Be yourself- no one is better qualified.

Celebration of Rick’s Life begins Sunday, March 29, 2026, with visitation from 4 to 7 PM at McLaughlin’s, 142 South Washington Street in Wilkes-Barre. It continues there on Monday, March 30, 2026, with gathering at 9 AM followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 AM in the Church of Exaltation of the Holy Cross, 420 Main Road, Buttonwood, Hanover Township.

Donations to Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge, https://bcfanimalrefuge.org/donate/, are preferred and will honor Rick’s memory.

Share memories and condolences with Rick’s family at mjmclaughlin.com