Richard H Wilczek

Rick was born in the Bronx on May 31, 1956. He then spent time in Upstate NY, Florida & the Poconos where he met his wife of 37 years, Lynn. They moved to NJ where they raised their son Jason and then settled in Bartlett, NH in 2001.

Rick believed in giving back. He was a youth soccer coach for his son’s teams, assistant Boy Scout leader & helping neighbors whenever the need arose. In NH he had his rescue dog, Cassi, certified as a Therapy Dog. They visited Memorial Hospital and Merriman House, a “job” they both enjoyed immensely. For the Jen’s Friends Hill Climb, you would always find Rick setting up the food tent for the hungry climbers. In November 2015, Rick & Lynn relocated to FL and continued giving back by volunteering at the Palm Beach Animal Shelter and fostering animals from Big Dog Ranch Rescue.

Rick loved being the host of any gathering and enjoyed the art of conversation. Whether it was his son’s school mates, neighbors, family or The Biddies. His charm, wit, intellect and sense of humor naturally drew people to him.

Rick had many talents and there wasn’t much he couldn’t do. He was a carpenter, general contractor, plumber, electrician, broadband installer and more. He always strove for perfection & took pride in all his work. He was also a teacher, always looking to pass on his skills to others so they could perform tasks, “the right way”.

In NH he took some run down cabins & turned them into a thriving business. A Better Life Cabins and Country Store tested his skills constantly but he always rose to the challenge. Rick eventually added A Better Life Snowmobile Tours and Rentals to his achievements. In the off seasons, he worked for Attitash Ski area and then did contracting work for Chick Lumber and Chick House to Home.

Rick loved the outdoors. Beach volleyball in his younger days, becoming an avid camper and star gazer as he matured. Upon moving to NH he loved to kayak and climb many of the beautiful mountains the area offers. He especially liked to take Cassi out to Sawyer Pond and spend a night or two, just the two of them. He even became Range Master at the Carroll County Fish and Game Club. No matter the season, Rick just couldn’t get enough of the outdoors.

Within a month of moving and adjusting to life in FL in November 2015 he had a new business going. Sadly, by April 2016 he was diagnosed with bladder cancer which began Rick’s decline in health. He continued to work until he was physically unable to.

In Spring 2017, when presented with a shortened timeline, his son Jason started a Go Fund Me to assist with the purchase of a Mazda Miata, a vehicle that he knew his father loved, but never found to be practical. The Miata was to be a project car for both to work on. Some serious father/son time. When surprised with the Miata, Rick was absolutely overwhelmed. We sat at the kitchen table and read every single contribution & loving comment that was made on the donation page. He never realized how many lives he had touched, just by being himself. There were a lot of tears. He was humbled & grateful. Rick & Jason spent many weekends working on their project and taking drives, even making it over to the west coast of FL

On July 8, 2017 Rick lost his brave fight surrounded by many who loved him. His humor and loving ways stayed with him to the end.

He is survived by his wife, Lynn, his son Jason, his daughter-in-law Kristyn who was simply the apple of his eye, his elder sister Helen and her husband Eddie. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Judy, Kim, Gail, Donna and her husband Don, brother-in-law Louis and nieces, Madi, Sydney & Kara and his nephews Andrew & Christopher. He was predeceased by his sister Debbie and brothers Joseph and Frank.

If he touched your life, please consider emailing your memories to lwilczek302@yahoo.com, we would love to read them at his Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, July 15, 2017. Also, perhaps you could consider donating in his honor to Jen’s Friends, The Conway Humane Society, Big Dog Ranch Rescue, or any local no kill rescue or shelter of your choosing.