Richard F. Nowak, 65, a lifelong resident of Wethersfield, beloved longtime companion of Maryann Basile, died Saturday (June 18, 2022) in Hartford Hospital after a courageous year-long battle with cancer. Born October 18, 1956 in Hartford, he was the son of the late Joseph J. and Susanne M. (Servansky) Nowak. Rick was a faithful communicant of Christ the King Parish, Wethersfield. He was a 1974 graduate of Wethersfield High School and enrolled in Goodwin Tech for electrical training in order to obtain an E1 license. After a brief stint with Kaman Aircraft, he was employed by R.M. Bradley and Co. eventually becoming Assistant Vice President and Chief Electrician and a core member of the company. He supervised services at Hartford’s Gold Building for 35 years and then at the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch for 6 years. Rick was an avid gardener who enjoyed sharing his abundant vegetable crops with everyone. Tinkering with all types of motors and gadgets, especially farm equipment was “in his wheelhouse.” Always ready to help out about fixing things and construction projects, he was everyone’s “go to” guy for advice. His pride and joy was the renovation of his farmhouse and barns. Baling hay annually was a special hobby. Rick and Maryann enjoyed traveling, especially cruising, which brought them to the Caribbean, Hawaii, Europe, Russia, Morocco, and visiting national historical places around the US. He enjoyed time at the beach and skiing, playing disco music while working around the farm and collecting antique memorabilia. His large collection of milk bottles from all over the region was enviable. Rick always had a smile on his face or a joke to tell and he will be dearly missed by his family and many friends.
Besides Maryann, he is survived by his sister Elaine Guida and husband Peter of Wethersfield and his twin brother Ronald Nowak and wife Louise of Columbia, his nephews, nieces, cousins and goddaughters. He was predeceased by a sister, Carol Nowak.
Relatives and friends are requested to gather Saturday, June 25th, at 11:15 a.m. in the Church of the Incarnation, 544 Prospect Street, Wethersfield for a Mass of Christian Burial. Immediately following, his ashes will be buried with his parents in Village Cemetery, Wethersfield. Calling hours are Friday, June 24th from 4-7 p.m. at the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield. According to his wishes, donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To share a memory of Rick with his family, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com.
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