Richard P.

Bednarek

Richard passed away on Friday April 17 ^th at the West Roxbury VA Hospital after a short illness.  He was 83 years of age.  Born and raised in Chelsea, he was a son of the late Walter C. and Helen (Stopczynski) Bednarek.  He attended local schools and enlisted into the US Navy in 1954, serving during the Korean Conflict.  He was honorably discharged in 1957 at the rank of Machinist Mate and was very proud and honored to have served his country.  Upon his return he met Deb (Ostergard) and were married in 1961.  They spent almost 55 years together being each other's best friend and raising their family.  He was the strong silent type with the biggest smile and a sparkle in his eye – he was someone who never had a bad word to say about anyone. He was loved and respected by all that met him and he gave you his time without question – He never said no to anyone who needed anything.  Richard worked as HVAC technician and Maintenance Group Leader at the Malden Hospital for nearly 32 years, only retiring when the hospital closed in 1999.  He was happy to retire at the very young age of 62.  He had the freedom to do as he pleased and that of course meant taking care of all those around him (including feeding the birds – which was almost a daily occurrence!)   He spent his leisure time with Deb, his grandchildren or helping out at Franks Auto (on most days he could be found there).  Richard was active with Chelsea Youth Hockey for many years and volunteered his time as a team coach.  He was an avid bowler – 10 pin every week as part of a league and he did that for the past 30 years.  He could bowl for hours and would if we let him.  He looked forward to getting together with family and the Christmas Eve (Wiglia) tradition was a favorite-one that continued over years.  In addition to his wife and parents, Richard was also predeceased by his siblings; the late Carol Diamond, Florence Tomaszewski and Ronald Bednarek.  He was the beloved husband of the late Diane M. "Debbie" (Ostergard) Bednarek.  And the devoted father of Richard "Rick" Bednarek and his wife Laura of Kennesaw GA, Terri DiOrio and her husband Robert of Chelsea. Cherished grandfather of Nikki and Hannah Bednarek of GA. "RJ" DiOrio and his wife Catherine of CT and Deryn DiOrio and his fiancé Priscilla Gomez of Chelsea and adoring great-grandfather of Robert III (J.J.)

A private family farewell and committal service was held at Woodlawn Cemetery. A Mass and Celebration of his life will be held and announced for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, should friends desire, contributions in Richard's memory may be made to the Chelsea Soldiers Home Activity Fund, 91 Crest Ave, Chelsea.

For those who wish, we encourage family and friends to offer condolences by means of the online guest book or to send private expressions of sympathy.

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