Richard J. Padykula

SUFFIELD

Richard J. Padykula passed away unexpectedly on January 17, 2021 while doing one of the things he loved, riding his bike while training for his 2^nd Mt. Washington Hill Climb. Born in Springfield on May 6, 1964 to his late parents Jane Znoj and Ronald Padykula, Rich grew up in Springfield and Chicopee. He was actively involved in various sports including competitive soccer in East Springfield. Rich attended Cathedral High School until he was given the opportunity to join the Marine Corps at age 17, where he became a member of the Marine Corps boxing and football teams, proudly serving for the next three years. Rich was a Warehouseman and Teamster Steward at United Liquors for many years. Always a lover of literature and philosophy, at age 35, and inspired by his future wife Nora. he started college. Starting at Holyoke Community College, his world grew larger followed by a social work degree at Westfield State College then law school at Western New England College. While at WNEC he served on law review and upon graduation was chosen for the prestigious position of appellate clerk for the State of Connecticut Appeals Court. Having worked at Holyoke Medical Center’s psychiatric unit all through law school, along with his union stewardship and marine background, Rich brought a unique vantage point to his practice of law that allowed him great success. A commitment to social justice was woven through every fiber of his being, and his life’s work was to impact systems that perpetuate the oppression of marginalized populations. Having worked under the tutelage of Atty. Leon Rosenblatt and Atty. Andrew Feinstein, he was well prepared to work in his own firm, Padykula Law, and for the past few years at Greater Hartford Legal Aid. His zealous advocacy for the voiceless within impoverished groups was unwavering and will be greatly missed.

Rich was most proud of his family; the depths of his love for Nora, his wife of 20 years, cannot be measured. The devotion that his family shared with each other was unparalleled. He loved fiercely and his role as father to his two adoring children, Bobby and Fiona was the greatest honor and accomplishment of his life. He instilled the principles he lived by - always willing to be fully present to them. He loved spending time with Bobby hiking Mt. Washington and helping with baseball or basketball. And he never missed a fun mani-pedi day at the Fiona Hair & Day Spa followed by a dance party. Beyond the indelible hole he has left in the world, he will be deeply missed by many other. His cherished sister and brother-in-law Jennifer and Dan Buck and his nephews, Austin, Jack, and Daniel of Glastonbury, CT. His guardian angel and protector since birth, his Aunt Joyce Thielen and her husband Chip of West Springfield, who shared an unbreakable bond forged in love, his best woman and soul sister of 30+ years Kathleen Dowd and her husband Tom McCann, copilot on many Springsteen road trips. In addition, he leaves his beloved in-laws Patrick and Kathy LaFond, and their children Emily & Ryan of Westfield, JP LaFond of Sommerville, and many special cousins & their children among the Znoj, Martin, Korbut, and Theilen families. He also leaves his step-mother Denise Padykula, step-sisters, Debbie Guertin and Peggy Feilen of South Hadley and his late step-father William Ricard. Rich also had many friends, colleagues and acquaintances that were touched by his kindness, compassion, and deep respect.  

Calling hours will are Friday January 22 from 5:00 to 8:00pm in the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, Holyoke, MA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday January 23 at 11:00 at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, 47 Pine Street, West Springfield. Burial will be held privately.   

Rich believed in the promise of all people and deeply understood that each one of us can make a difference, to know Rich was to know loyalty, he “had your back”, and in that spirit we ask that in lieu of flowers please donate to the “RJP – No Surrender Fund” at Roca, Inc. to help high-risk youth in Western MA meet their full potential. Checks may be mailed to Roca, Inc. Att: Christine Judd, 29 School St. Springfield MA 01105.

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