Richard A. Shawl

Richard “Rich” Allen Shawl, age 48, was born April 19th, 1977, in Bay City, MI, son of Karen (Shawl) Karbowski and Norbert “Jake” Jacobs Jr..Rich’s courageous battle with cancer ended peacefully on December 1st, 2025, in Hernando, FL. 

Mr. Shawl attended Unionville-Sebewaing Area High School in Sebewaing, MI. In 1994 Rich moved to Citrus County Florida, and in 1995, Rich met Darlene, the mother of his two children. Rich and Darlene built a beautiful young life together for several years. Rich was a block mason and worked construction through his years of employment.

In his free time, Rich enjoyed staying active; he could be found fishing, playing golf, watching the San Francesco 49ers, spending time with his children or utilizing his incredible artistic abilities to create drawings or make sentimental items for others. 

Rich was preceded in death by his step-mother, Patricia Groulx, sister, Dawn Jacobs, uncle Joseph Jacobs. Rich was survived by his father, Norbert “Jake” Jacobs, mother, Karen (Shawl) Karbowski and step-father, Robert Karbowski; 2 children, Samantha Nichole Shawl (Noah Britt) and Richard Allen Shawl Jr and their mother, Darlene Howard; 3 sisters, Jody Basner, Michelle Jacobs and Kimberly (Michael) Konieczka, many nieces and nephews; and life long friend, Rocky Farris and his mother, Nina Farris who cared for Rich and helped with his cancer treatment for several months before his passing. 

Through the years, Rich faced life’s challenges with remarkable strength and resilience. No matter what was thrown at him, even cancer, Rich had an optimistic outlook on life and for his future. There is no doubt, even until his last breath, he was fighting with all of his might to beat cancer, so he could make more memories with his children. 

Richard was simply known as “dad” to his children and proudly carried that title. Our beloved dad will always be remembered as a doting father, his larger than life personality and being a kid himself, at heart, which always led to great memories. 

At the family’s request, no service will be held. In lieu of a service and flowers, the family asks those who knew and loved Rich to remember him by sharing stories and photos with his children.