James D. Carleski

James Donald "Jim" Carleski

Jim Carleski, age 94, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2024. Jim was born on May 25, 1929 in Detroit, Michigan and raised in the Detroit and Toledo areas. He graduated from Woodward High School in Toledo, Ohio in 1947 and went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Ohio State University in 1951 and a Master's degree from the University of Toledo in 1959. He married the love of his life, Rita Ann Radecki in 1952 and had four children. In 1985, Jim retired as a chemist from Owens-Illinois in Toledo, OH after 33 years and worked briefly for Monarch Laboratories in Maumee, OH. With an intense passion for the open road, he led his family on numerous road trips and vacations to learn about the diversity and history of the United States. After retirement, Jim and Rita traveled by car extensively, visiting 49 U.S. states, all 10 provinces of Canada, and countless state and national parks, museums, and casinos.

He was preceded in death by his parents Frank Carleski and Harriet (Porazynski) Carleski; brother, Robert Carleski; sister, Nancy Carleski; beloved daughter, Linda Jeanne Carleski; brother-in-law, Edwin Randell; and sister-in-law, Nelda Reno.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Rita; sisters, Rita Carleski and Patricia Carleski; sons, David Carleski and Richard (Christina) Carleski; daughter Diane Goetz; sisters-in-law, Sr. Rita Jane Radecki, OSF, and Dolores Randell; grandchildren Jason (Amanda) Carleski, Robert (Cara) Carleski, Katherine Hodulik, and Erika Carleski; great-grandchildren Lorelei and Joshua Carleski, Amelia and Nadia Carleski; and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff of Rosary Care Center in Sylvania, OH for their dedicated service, love, and prayers for Jim's well-being.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 19 from 2 - 8 p.m. at Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home, 501 Conant St., Maumee, OH. Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 22 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Maumee, OH, beginning with a viewing at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetary, Toledo, OH.

Memorial contributions for Jim may be made to Toledo Metro Parks, Rosary Care Center, Sylvania, OH, or to the charity of your choice.