Obituary of Romuald Wladyslaw Lankosz

Mr. Romuald “Romek” Wladyslaw (Walter) Lankosz’s spirit went to be with the Lord on February 15, 2022. He was 77 years of age.

Romek was born December 19, 1944, in Maddiston, Scotland, United Kingdom. He was the son of Adam Romuald Lankosz of Zakopane, Poland and Isabella Maxwell McLay Lankosz of Maddiston, Scotland, United Kingdom.

At the age of 12, his family left Scotland and settled in the Southeast District of Columbia, a fact of which he was immensely proud. At the age of 17, he became a United States citizen and entered the United States Navy followed by the United States Air Force from which he retired.  Thereafter, he retired from American Airlines (formerly known as US Airways) and the Federal Government.

Romek was not ordinary. He had a very generous heart and playful, comedic personality. He loved music and dancing, so it was quite normal to find him and his wife, Linda, shagging in the kitchen to beach music or old Motown classics. His love language was gift giving, and he commonly served others through problem solving and household and vehicular repairs. He influenced many lives through the game of soccer, a sport he not only coached but dearly loved and played from childhood through adulthood both domestically and internationally. He maintained a beautifully manicured yard with a variety of plants and flowers on which passersby often commented.  He was extremely passionate about planes and would frequently look to the sky and cite what type of plane was overhead and its likely destination. He loved to travel, particularly flying, to both near and far places. 

Among his survivors are his spouse, Linda Saylor Lankosz, of 35 years; his children Romuald “Romek” Adam Lankosz (Ashley), Rolanda LaDawn Yocolano (Ricky), Tracy Anne Murray, and Kimberley Lynn Thompkins; his grandchildren Chelsea Wood Greene (Blake), Joshua “JT” Brian Thompkins (Sydney), Alyssa Ann Thompkins, Trenton “Trent/Trentina” Chase Murray, Jacob “Jake” Trever Lee, and William Shane “Shane-O” Thompkins; his great grandchildren Cade Brooks Greene, Leah Madeline Greene, and Fallon Rose Thompkins; his siblings Andrezej “Yendric” Lankosz (Barbara/Breeze) and Teresa Cherry Macke (Joseph/Joe).

He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and a beloved first cousin, Betty “Liz” Fletcher, who resides in the Kingdom of Fife, Lower Largo, Scotland, United Kingdom.

He is predeceased by his parents Adam and Isabella Lankosz, and siblings James Marion “Masher” Lankosz and Tamara Jane Mabini.

Much appreciation and many thanks to all the staff and nurses for the care and attention provided to Romek during his time at Community Life Center (CLC), Ralph H. Johnson VA Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations in Romek’s memory may be made to Ralph H. Johnson VAMC CLC Hospice, 109 Bee Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29401. https://www.va.gov/charleston-health-care/work-with-us/volunteer-or-donate/

A Celebration of Life service with military honors will be held at Cathedral located at 3790 Ashley Phosphate Road, North Charleston, South Carolina 29418 on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at 2 o’clock in the afternoon. Visitation with the family including food, fellowship, and music will immediately follow the service. The Celebration of Life service and visitation are open to family and friends.

Romek is loved dearly and will be greatly missed.