Richard Lawrence Kwiatkowski
November 24, 1937 – June 26, 2024
After a brief illness, Richard (Richy) Kwiatkowski, 86, of Wilmington, ,passed away peacefully with family members by his side on June 26, 2024 at the Beth Israel Lahey Health Hospital in Burlington,.
Richard will be lovingly remembered by his brother, Robert Kwiatkowski and Robert’s wife, Loretta (Pawlak) Kwiatkowski of North Reading; nephews: Robert W. Kwiatkowski and his wife Marianne (Johnston) Kwiatkowski of Oconomowoc, WI, Richard J. Kwiatkowski of Laytonsville, MD, Ronald P. Kwiatkowski and his wife, Barbara (Kelley) Kwiatkowski of Redding, CT, niece Terese M. Kwiatkowski of Norwood, sister-in-law, Trudy Young of Honolulu, HI, and many other nephews, nieces, grand nephews and grandnieces. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 39 years, Leocadia (Young) Kwiatkowski, and his parents, Gaspar and Jessie Kwiatkowski.
Richard was born in Chelsea , attended St. Stanislaus School and graduated from Chelsea High School in 1955. He joined the US Army shortly after high school and had a six-year career in the Military Police. After an honorable discharge from the Army, he became a head rigger working on nuclear submarines at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii. During that time, he took much pleasure during his spare time playing handball against all comers. After his retirement in 1999, he settled in Wilmington, MA, where he enjoyed a leisurely lifestyle. One of his traits, which must be mentioned, was his love of animals, large and small. While in the military, he trained guard dogs for the Military Police. He particularly delighted in spending time around the holidays with family, telling stories, sharing his favorite music, watching and discussing sports, and always expressing his appreciation of holiday dinners. In addition, he took great patriotic pride in having been married on the 4th of July.
Richard was known as “Richy” to his family but enjoyed being called “Chick” or Richard by many of his friends.
In respectful compliance with Richard’s wishes, no formal services will be held. Contributions may be made in Richard’s remembrance to the Animal Rescue League of Boston, 10 Annas Place, Dedham, MA, 02026, https://www.arlboston.org
For directions or to send expressions of sympathy, please visit www.WelshFH.com.