Richard Malcolm Radway

Age 91, of Haslett, MI, passed away January 29, 2026. He was born October 14, 1934, at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago, IL, to David and Sophie Radway. Shortly after Richard was born, the family moved to Lansing, MI. In Lansing, David and his partner founded the Paramount Coffee Company on Larch St. in Old Town, which was later moved further south on Larch St. near E. Michigan Ave. After 75 years, the business was sold to the employees, and it’s still going strong today.

Richard went to Eastern High School, joined the swim team, and helped Eastern win a state swimming championship. He graduated with honors in 1953. He then started his undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan where he participated in several sports and became a lifetime member of the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity. He left U of M after 1 year to join the Army, where he served for 2.5 years in Korea as a lieutenant first class. He received an honorable discharge. Dick returned to Michigan, enrolled at Michigan State University, and went to work at Robert Hall’s men’s clothing store on Cedar St. to help pay his way through college. He majored in accounting and finance. At MSU he met Bonnie Balzer, also majoring in accounting and finance. Dick graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Dick moved to Chicago to work for Price Waterhouse for 5 years until he passed his CPA exam in 1964. He then went to work for Carrol’s Clothing in Chicago where he met and married Brenda Carrol. They had 2 children, Elisa and Jeffrey Radway. In 1970, Dick returned to Lansing to work for his father at Paramount Coffee and installed their first computer system.

Dick reconnected with Bonnie Balzer and they were married on December 17, 1972. They welcomed a son, Andrew. Dick became the chairperson for March of Dimes as son Andrew was their poster child.

Richard left Paramount and opened 3 Insty-Print businesses in the Lansing area. As the need for printing declined, he opened Ross, Clifton & Clark with his partner. They worked on building houses with partial steel construction. After his partner died, Dick retired and went into substitute teaching with the Lansing School District and Ingham Intermediate School District. Not one to sit still, he also shuttled vehicles for several years for Champion Chrysler. He loved that job.

Richard and Bonnie were involved with theater. He was known as “Mr. Tuxedo” in several “Social Security Scandals” productions.

Still keeping his hand in accounting, Dick was the treasurer of the Wildflower Estates Homeowners Association for several years, and as an avid golfer, he was also treasurer of the Indian Hills Senior Golf League for 15 years. Dick was also a member of the Congregation Shaarey Zedek B’nai B’rith Bowling League for several years.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Ronald and Robert; and sister-in-law, Lila Radway. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Bonnie Radway; daughter, Elisa M. (Jerry) Laurita; sons, Jeffrey M. and Andrew R.; grandchildren, Jesse Laurita, and Anna and Alison Radway; and many other extended family members and friends.

The funeral service, with military honors, will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, 325 W. Washtenaw St., Lansing, MI, with Rabbi Amy B. Bigman of Congregation Shaarey Zedek officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Lansing. A celebration of Richard’s life will be held at a later date.

A livestream of the service will be available at https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc2OTgwMDYyMDM5OTI3MiZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bette Sue Rittman All Children Are Special Fund, the Sophie Radway Memorial PJ Library Fund (both through Congregation Shaarey Zedek), or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.