Richard J. Wielgosz

May 28, 1940 - May 24, 2022

Richard J. Wielgosz, 81, passed away on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at Upstate Medical Center, Syracuse. Born on May 28, 1940, in Utica, NY, Richard was the son of the late Jan and Helen (Bosak) Wielgosz. He was a graduate of Utica Free Academy and then Utica College. On March 3, 1962, Richard married Vesta (Ann) Sibley in North Carolina. They shared a blessed union of over 57 years prior to her passing on November 11, 2019. Richard worked at Bendix for 47 years as an Electrical/Electronics Specialist until his retirement in 2015. Once their children were grown and gone, he and Ann opened “Gone Loco Trains and Crafts” on the corner of Lincoln Ave. and Oswego Street. Richard had many passions in life including love for model trains and polka music. His interest in trains led him to start an annual Toy Train Show event in Utica that has run for more than 40 years. He was the President of Toy Train Collectors Society Ltd and a board member for many years. He was the Vice President of the United Polka League for several years and attended every dance he could. He was also an avid fan of cars, owning exclusively Chrysler-made vehicles for the past 65 years. Richard is survived by his children, Alan S. (Lori) Wielgosz, Holland Patent, Jan R. Wielgosz, Florida, Richard V. Wielgosz, Marcy, and Joseph (Debbie) Raniero, WA; grandchildren, Alana, Ernie, Brittany (Jason), Kyle, Lisa, and Marc; great-grandchild, Eleanor, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated on Friday, June 3, 2022, at 9 a.m. at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Inurnment will be in St. Stanislaus & St. Casimir Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrances in Richard’s name may be made to MVHS Rehabilitation and Nursing Center Continuing Care Services or a charity of your choice. The Wielgosz family would like to thank the physicians, nurses, and staff at Lewis County General Hospital and Upstate Medical Center for the care they provided Richard in his final days.