Celebration of life

Saturday, June 15, 2024, 1:00 pm
Pavilion & Grounds

Richard "Richie" S. Niedzwiedz

February 14, 1956 ~ January 21, 2024

67 Years Old

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Richard "Richie" Niedzwiedz Obituary

Richard “Richie” Niedzwiedz, 67, of Gill Massachusetts, sadly left us on Sunday, January 21, 2024. He was born on Valentine’s Day to Frank and Dottie Niedzwiedz of Erving, MA. Since that joyous day they never had a full night's sleep again.

Richard was predeceased by both of his parents, and big brother and best friend, Francis. He leaves his sister, Doris Jasinski of Northampton, who will miss her baby brother dearly. Richie also leaves behind his two daughters, Kimberly Godin of Shelburne and Carleigh Dlugosz of Northfield, as well as two sons-in-law, Brian Godin and Jacob Dlugosz who he arguably loved an unmeasured amount for tolerating his two girls (remember what he said boys - no take backs!). He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren: Emilie Cleveland, Carson Dlugosz, and Jacob Dlugosz, Jr. They all believed that Dziadziu wasn't just the moon and stars, but their galaxy. Lastly, he leaves many nieces, nephews and great nephews as well as their significant others, who also thought the world of their Uncle Richie.

Richie made many friends while working for Phoenix as an insurance investigator. He then moved on to work at the BFMC Emergency Department. Everyone who worked with him will attest to his strong work ethic, willingness to always go above and beyond, remain calm in the middle of chaos, and of course, his impeccable baking skills. Let's not forget his unparalleled fashion sense when it came to his custom bowling shirts; Richie always looked sharp wearing one of those bad boys. Those who worked with him will forever miss hearing “ER, this is Rich”.

Richie wouldn’t want us dwelling on the sadness of his passing but focus on all the ways he gifted us with his presence. May he be remembered as the founder and CEO of the legendary Booze Cruise, which had a great run until they “allegedly” tried to throw one of his best friends overboard, they were unsuccessful. When he wasn't planning his infamous cruises, he was on the softball field where his team was known to sing an impromptu National Anthem a time or two. Once he hung up the glove, he picked up the darts and Rockin’ Richie was born! The last few decades of his life were filled with hobbies such as painting his Van Richies, making beer, and his famous liqueurs (Miller's Mud anyone?) We can’t forget the baking. So. Much. Baking. He always said he could’ve been a scientist until Disco and the ‘70s happened. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t do when he put his mind to it. He didn't like to take life too seriously. He always wanted to put a smile on the face of everyone around him. Richie was one of a kind.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, January 28, 2024 from 1-3 PM at Kostanski Funeral Home, 1 Kostanski Square, Turners Falls. Save the date for a Celebration of Life which will be held on June 15th at the Millers Falls Rod and Gun with more details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Richard’s name mailed to the Veterans organization Ruck-Up, Inc., 42 Upper Knight Street, Keene, NH, 03431 or online at https://www.ruck-up.org.