Richard Paul Pieczarka, 77, passed away September 4, 2021 at Baystate Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Ludlow to the late Walter and Yvonne (Duquette) Pieczarka, he was a longtime resident of Springfield and had also lived in Florida for 6 years and in Westfield for the past 2 years. Richard was a 1962 graduate of Cathedral High School. A Trappist Brother for a year and a Brother of The Passionists for 8 years, he was a current Oblate of the St. Benedictine Monastery in Petersham, MA. For many years, he was a faithful parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in Springfield and for the past 2 years of Our Lady of Blessed Sacrament Church in Westfield. Richard started his lifelong career of caring for the sick and elderly as an LPN at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, CT. Richard worked for 32 years for Baystate Medical Center as an X-Ray technician, nurse and most recently as an infection control practitioner. He was also the caretaker for his family since his teenage years. He met his wife and best friend, Mary Lou, at Mercy Medical Center 60 years ago and they shared 48 years of marriage and adventure together. They enjoyed traveling to Maine.
Richard will be remembered for his kindness, selflessness, and welcoming nature who always treated others as family. He was “the rock” of the Pieczarka family and loved by all who knew him. Most especially, he was a beloved husband, father and grandfather.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 48 years, Mary Lou (Gallagher) Pieczarka; his beloved sons, Aaron Pieczarka of Springfield and Anthony Pieczarka of Chicopee; his cherished grandchildren, Nadia Pieczarka, Jayde Breen and Andrew Pieczarka; his brother Thomas Pieczarka of Indian Orchard and many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. He was predeceased by his parents; his brothers Robert, David, and Walter Pieczarka, Jr. and a sister Sally Ann Fuller.
Funeral services will be held at Our Lady of Blessed Sacrament Church, 127 Holyoke Rd, Westfield, MA on Saturday, September 11, 2021. Family will receive guests from 11:15am to 12:15pm at the church. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will follow at 12:30. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Nowak Funeral & Cremation Services is entrusted with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made for the Benedictine monks and the sisters of St. Scholastica Priory. Send contributions to: St. Mary's Monastery, P. O. Box 345, Petersham, MA 01366, Attn: Donations or online at www.stmarysmonastery.org/donate. For further details or to offer online condolences, visit www.nowakfuneral.com.
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