1962 - 2024
Visitation
July 23, 20244-7 P.M.
DOLAN FUNERAL HOME, 106 MIDDLESEX ST., CHELMSFORD, MA 01863,
Funeral
July 24, 202411 A.M.
St. John the Evangelist Church, 115 Middlesex Street, N. Chelmsford, MA 01863.
Richard “Dick” John Wolnik, 61, of Derry NH, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his devoted children on July 15th after a courageous battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Born in Lowell, MA, he grew up in Chelmsford, MA and was the beloved son of Vera (Archinski) Wolnik of North Andover, MA and the late Stanley Wolnik. He is also survived by his three loving children, Lauren, Erin and Luke Wolnik and the mother of his children, Leigh Wolnik. He leaves his siblings Valerie Gardner of Chelmsford, MA, Stephen Wolnik of Worcester, MA, Michael Wolnik and his wife Lisa Wolnik of North Andover, MA, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Andrea Wolnik. He also leaves several longtime friends who remained close with Dick throughout his battle with ALS.
Dick graduated from Chelmsford High School with the Class of 1980 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Master’s in Business Administration from UMass Lowell.
Dick was an avid Boston sports fan and a New England Patriots season ticket holder since the 1980’s. He studied Martial arts and held a 4th degree Black Belt in Shorin-Ryu/Matsubayashi Karate under Sensi James True of True Martial Arts Dojo. He also enjoyed hiking, skiing and visiting the oceans and mountains, most especially with his children, who brought him immeasurable joy and happiness. Whether it was on their many road trips and vacations, sharing a meal together or watching a Patriots game, he loved being around them. He was incredibly proud of his children all throughout their lives and most especially how they cared for him during his battle with ALS.
He will be remembered as the most loving and caring Dad to his children. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Richard J. Wolnik Foundation for ALS Research, 9 Wharf Drive Groveland, MA 01834. Dick was a passionate advocate to raise awareness and to find a cure for ALS.
Visiting hours Tuesday, July 23, 2024 from 4-7 P.M. Funeral Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 10 A.M. from the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME, 106 MIDDLESEX STREET, N. CHELMSFORD, MA with a Funeral Mass at 11 A.M. at St. John the Evangelist Church in N. Chelmsford. Burial in Pine Ridge Cemetery in Chelmsford. ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041. Guestbook at www.dolanfuneralhome.com.
Lauren Larson
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Rest in Peace my friend and know you were loved by so many family member’s snd friends!
Shylah
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Sleep in the sweetest of peace uncle dick . Myself and the kids love you ❤️
Sharon Ritchotte
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My thoughts, prayers and love go out to the entire Wolnik Family. May his memory be eternal.
Stacy Ringer
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My deepest condolences to the whole Wolnik Family
Rest in peace Dick
mark sullivan
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Dick, my lifelong and eternal friend, you have taught me the true meaning of perseverance and courage. I have and always will, look up to you. God set you free and you have left behind for us all, a gift, filled with a lifetime of fond and unmeasurable happy memories.
Our thoughts and prayers are forever with you and all your family.
God Bless.
Until we meet again my dear friend,
-Sul and Family.
Carole Meisel
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In the brief time I had with Dick, he demonstrated a remarkable spirit and a genuine compassion that touched my heart. I can only imagine the profound impact he must have had on those who knew him longer.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. If there is anything I can do to support you, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Much love, hugs and prayers,
Carole
Judy McGurk Ciesielski
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Heartfelt condolences to Dick’s children, family & many, many friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
May fond memories soften tears and fellowship help healing. Rest in peace, Dick.
Jeffrey Wolnik
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Rest in peace Dick. I was so sad to hear this news. My thoughts are with Dick’s family, especially my Aunt Vera and my cousins Michael, Valerie and Stephen.