Obituary
It is with mixed emotions that we announce the passing of Dick Paczkowski. On the morning of Friday February 22nd 2019, while surrounded by family; he embarked on his greatest journey to date! Angels sang, trumpets rang out, and Jesus personally met him at the pearly gates of heaven. Undoubtedly surround by friends and loved ones that preceded him, once he arrived and got settled in, he was likely put to work by the Lord himself!
Although preparing for this journey his entire life, over the past few months he somehow knew his Earthly time was growing short and cherished every moment, of each visit, phone call, and conversation with loved ones and friends. Showing kindness, love, and appreciation for all that knew him, Dick Paczkowski was one of the most gracious people you would ever meet. Throughout his lifetime he held many tiles that include:
Son: Victoria and William Paczkowski welcomed him to Earth March 22, 1946 and it’s only appropriate that they were there to show him around Heaven when he arrived.
Brother: With two older siblings, Bill Paczkowski and Janice Monaghan, he would have likely cracked a joke that he was the first to get to heaven and that he won the race! Don’t worry he’ll be there cheering you on when it’s your turn to make the trip! Despite being a little brother, he had a big heart as he accepted his brother in law James Monaghan and sisters in law Lydia Paczkowski and Carol Rainville into his family.
Nephew: Being his sole Aunt remaining on Earth, he received joy and took comfort from Annette “Ankie” Perry. He cherished the many talks across her kitchen table and truly enjoyed the relationship they had.
Husband: As the love of his life, Joan Paczkowski appreciates the forty five years they have spent together joined in holy matrimony. He so loved her that his final words were spoken to her exclusively: “I love you so very much!”
Father: As children, he would hold the hands of Richard Paczkowski Jr. and Amy Paczkowski Ciccone. In his final days, they were blessed to be able to once again hold his. Later in life he would also welcome his son in law Joe Ciccone, and daughter in law Crystal Paczkowski into his family and heart.
Grandfather: Whether known simply as “Grandpa” by Victoria Ciccone or “Grandpa Fuzzy Face” by Lucas, Noah and Elizabeth Paczkowski, he will always be remembered for trying to make them laugh as well as his seemingly endless supply of YooHoo!
Uncle: Having the pleasure of watching them grow into amazing adults, he will be remembered as Uncle Dick by Janice Booth, Jacki Downey, Bill Paczkowski, Dara and Brad Fagan.
Friend: With too many to list, Dick Paczkowski has touched the lives of so many! Whether you knew him as someone you went to school with, a colleague, or even a neighbor, you likely have many stories and shenanigans to tell others about.
Veteran: Hearing his call to duty, he enlisted in the United States Air Force voluntarily and became a Telecommunications Operator. Serving almost four years, he achieved the rank of Airman 1st Class. He loved his country and the freedoms which his service secured. Prior to his honorable discharge, he earned the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship ribbon as well as the National Defense Service Medal.
Fire Chief: Being a firefighter for many years in the town of Shutesbury, he ascended to the top rank of Chief and held the position for seven years. Even more telling about his character, is that he served in these these capacities without pay and sacrificed his time as a volunteer to help save the homes and lives of others.
Journeyman Electrician: Throughout his professional career many companies were blessed to have him on their payroll. He worked on projects ranging from residential, commercial, to high voltage underground installations throughout the country. Working for a time at Kennedy Space Center, it wasn’t uncommon for his family to tell others he worked at NASA!
Ham Radio Operator: Combining his experience in the Air Force with his electrical knowledge, he also became an Extra class amateur radio operator. Fueled in part by a desire to be able to speak with his brother over the air, as well as a bonding experience with his son, he spent many years volunteering his time and talents to the community. This included serving as the Volusia County Emergency Coordinator for The Volusia Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Service.
Disciple: Despite all of his accomplishments and titles, the one that had the most impact on others is his love of the Lord! Sharing what can only be described as his unshakeable faith with others, Dick Paczkowski knew without a doubt where his eternal home would be. In a time when many would shy away from discussions of religion, he would share his faith without fear. Many times even while waiting on his own medical treatments, he would pray both with, and for others. He knew he was spreading the word of God with all that he met by his words, attitude, and actions. He was a model for others to follow.
So why the mixed emotions about this announcement of Dick Paczkowski going to heaven? Rather than a traditional funeral, he wanted to have a service where he could be truly remembered for who he was and what he accomplished, rather than focus on tears and grief. His family will hold a Celebration of Life at a later date. Until then his family requests that you gather your stories, cherish your memories, and prepare for a celebration like no other!
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