Corey Jonathan Wlodarczyk

Corey Jonathan Wlodarczyk, age 30, passed away on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 while out running in San Diego. He was born May 8, 1986 in Victorville, California. Corey graduated from Seattle University School of Law with his Juris Doctorate degree focusing his education on criminal advocacy and received his Bachelors from the University of Arizona. Corey first began cutting his teeth in criminal defense working for a public defender’s office in the State of Washington where he handled hundreds of cases while he was still a law student. Corey was a member of the Seattle University Moot Court Board and semi-finalist and finalist in multiple trial competitions. Corey volunteered his time as a coach for the University of California San Diego’s undergraduate mock trial team.

From his earliest hours Corey’s rambunctious spirit and infectious laugh have brought joy to his family and friends. A man of passionate certainty and strong sense of justice, Corey brought his love for the underdog into his everyday life. Always willing to lend a hand for those who needed it. He grew up playing hockey with his dad, Antek. His love of football began early at 9-years-old when his grandparents and cousin would attend football games together. His enthusiasm brought the rest of the family together to become fans and soon the fight for seats at the games began. Through the good years and bad he stood behind his beloved San Diego Chargers. Corey spent a lot of time abroad with his family in Poland. He learned to speak Polish and a fair bit of Italian on his travels. He often talked about finding a woman he admired and loved as much as his mother Stephanie, and he found that special person, Maria Starzyk, while attending the University of Arizona. They were friends only while in school, and years later reconnected. Last Thanksgiving Corey proposed to his ‘Maggie’ in Chicago where she is currently living.

Corey is survived by his fiancée Maria Starzyk, his mother Stephanie Hayes and her husband Hallie, his father Antek Wlodarczyk, his brother Maxx Wlodarczyk, his grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins here in the USA, and in Poland. The loss felt by this close-knit family is deep, but the lives Corey touched will forever be enriched through knowing and loving him.

A funeral mass was held on Saturday, July 9, 2016 at 3:00pm at Maximilian Kolbe Polish church, 1735 Grand Ave, San Diego. A Celebration of Life was also held, on Sunday, July 10, 2016 at 1:00pm at the Arizona Cafe in Ocean Beach, 1925 Bacon St, San Diego. In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations be made in Corey’s memory to the UCSD Mock Trial Team.

“If I should go before the rest of you

Break not a flower nor inscribe a stone,

Nor when I'm gone speak in a Sunday voice

But be the usual selves that I have known.

Weep if you must,

Parting is hell,

But life goes on,

So sing it well.”

Arrangements under the direction of Funeraria Del Angel Humphrey, Chula Vista, CA.