Richard John Pietrasik

Wegoners Granulamatosis-A Rare disease affecting 1 in only 30000 people. Rich was sick for about 3 weeks while at home. I continued to tell him how I suspected he might have pneumonia. He tried to get better himself, experimenting with different OTC drugs and home remedies. He worsened daily. After about three weeks on Wed. we went to see a Doctor. He was given a prescription for respiratory infection and told to get a chest xray. Only able to afford one or the other chose the antibiotic for the respiratory infection and blew off the chest xray. I knew the only way to determine pneumonia was in fact to have the xray and without success of trying to talk him into getting the xray agreed with him that the medication was probably going to help him. If not we would go back to the ER or the Doctor office. I came home from work on a Friday night. He was really bad, couldn't hardley breath. I said to him " I really don't care if you think you can't afford to get medical attention, and although I am your friend I am also going to be a B---- now and you can pick whether we go to ER or to a urgent care. But, you need emergency medical care and you needit now if not last week." He agreeed for later that evening when the ER might not be so busy. Asking for a watermelon slushie from Sonic. I drove to Sonic and brought him home a slushie believing at midnight we were going to the ER. A little aftyer midnight the phone rang. He got very upset and decided not to go to ER.
The next day, Sat. I still suspected "pneumonia." Rich walked out to the garage where I was sitting and said "Please don't be mad at me." I said back to him, "I'am not mad at you. It upsets me that you are so stubborn, but thats okay, Rich, you go right ahead and be a stubborn old man, I"ll wait until you're nonresponsive, then, I"ll call 911 and start CPR. We both chuckled and hugged one another. I went shopping. I had wanted to buy Rich a new sheet and comforter set for his bed at christmas time and was unable to afford it. I had some extra money and thought if I found a great deal on one, I would buy it. I was thinking it might raise his spirits.
To me, I believed, I found just the one, after a little prayer and almost giving up on looking for one. I bought it and with enthusiasm couldn't wait to get back home to give Rich my gift. Afterall, He had given me so many little gifts and had made such a difference to me and my life I wanted only the best for him. After getting back home, he lay on the sofa sleeping and still sweating. I showed him what I bought for him and he smiled and rolled over going back to sleep. A short time later, I was in my bedroom when he came and knocked on my door. "Can I go like this?" he said to me, sweats and tshirt soaked from sweat. I said yes honey, you can go anyway you please, lets just go.
We went to the closest ER. The entire afternoon and night was spent in the ER and the ER exam room. They had wanted to keep him and he refused although agreeing to see a Doctor on Wed. which I had already set up for him because he was not getting better. The suspensions of the ER was a more severe disease than pneumonia. He was started on very strong antibiotics. Upon seeing the Doctor on Wed., he was immediately admitted into the hospital. He could hardly talk and was having severe difficulty breathing. Within three days of being admitted into the hospital, Rich, now lie in ICU fighting every breath.
It didn't look good, I tried hard to keep faith and hope. The night before he was admitted into ICU he said to me. "You"re going to have to water the plants because I might not be coming back home." I started crying and told him "yes, I have been watering the plants already and even planted the ones he didn't" You are coming back home, you just need to keep fighting and not give up. Just keep breathing." I said sobbing, as I walked out of his room.
Those were our last words.
Rich had the very best Doctors, nurses, & healthcare team caring for him. Everything possible to be done was tried,to make him well and come back home, to us all, who loved him so much and needed him in our lives. His death created a catostrophy in many lives, of his family and friends.
Rich was a special man. Stubborn and one of a kind. With Rich near, there was sounds of laughter and joy surrounding him and those close to his heart. He also gave alot of different people a reason to believe, a foundation for stability and encouragement to grow, give and learn.
He expressed a great deal of compassion to others, especially those less fortunate and unable to stand up and fight for themselves. His greatest compassion stories are almost always including those of children and animals. He would nurture both, towards a sense of pride and individuality. I believe, those close to Rich will feel the loss of a man so great in our lives, probably, for a very long time.
For myself, Rich gave me a reason to believe in life again. He showed me I was a survivor and I could get on with my life losing my boyfriend to suicide. He included me in decisions, allowing me to believe in myself once again and my decion makings.
Rich and I, although we only knew each other for six months, as roommates, bonded together in a true friendship. WE connected in a way that I swear we had to be brother and sister in a past life. We were so much alike in so many ways. I myself believe with all my heart, Rich was the most perfect roommate in the world as our likes, dislikes, organization, cleanliness and everything incorporating all was so right for the two of us.
Rich was old school in his ways. He expected honesty and loyality. He demanded honest communication, respect of one another, both in personal and professional lives. He expected to be given common courtesy as he would do the same. He hated to be interupted to while talking.
If you were Rich's family or friend. He backed and supported you in everything. If not, then he didn't want you coming around.
The day Rich died was one of my worst days ever in my life. I lost the one person I needed most at this time and there was no goodbye as I would have wished. His family, hurt most because of legal issues without a will. Everyone close to Rich knew excactly his wishes and desires, yet, without the paperwork, the woman he had once loved, until, left him, buying herself a new home which he had no knowledge of until finding it in the mail. He told her to leave him alone and quit calling him, yet she seemed to continue to harass him. His mood of fun loving and joy would always turn to anger when she came around.
The day Rich died, should have been one of mourning with family and friends. Instead, it was a day of anger and hatred. I know Rich felt the pain as we all did. HIs daughter, soninlaw, brother and sisterinlaw ordered to leave the premises.
Something inside my mind, heart and body took over as I heard the most awful scream of dispair come from his daughter as she was forced from her fathers home. A home, which the woman who had moved out six months earlier, for the 5th time, per Rich's words, in 25 years now also due to no will had possesion of a home which he considered priceless and special, also was now taking something once again from the one woman which meant the most to him, his daughter.
Rich taught us to stand up for our beliefs and showed us what it really means to be determined to accomplish a goal or a project that we might have or wish to start. Yet due to the circumstances concerning his illness was unable to give to hisw family, his posessions which meant the most to him.
Rich showed us how through our emotions we can express ourselves to accomplish success or defeat in any matter we might face in our lives. Yet, because of his circumstances once again with his illness was unable to defeat the woman he had once lived with.
Survived by His Brother-Roger, Sister-in-law,-(who is also his Best Friend-Penny.
The memories of their childhood in Wisconsin, the fun times they experienced as brothers who helped out in their families grocery store business and the kindling friendships of friends who have established a special bond like no other because of their friendship as children which evolved into Penny marrying into the family as Roger's wife. I had heard the stories, first by Rich, then by Penny and then by roger.
Daughter Jill. She has many of her dad's special traits. I noticed the special bond, the two of them had in their relationship as father and daughter instantly. His eyes would shine when he spoke of her accomplishments and comment with stories of her childhood days. He was so proud of Jill and it always showed through his gleaming eyes. He told stories of how he taught JIll to ride a dirt bike and how she was in competitions with boys and she won. Jill was the only woman in this world he truly trusted and believed in and supported with everything he could.
A Soninlaw Travis, whom he absolutely adored, trusted and believed in. He knew Jill was as safe with Travis as she was with him. Only a father would say this with the greatest respect and loyality he had with Travis.
Son-Nick,(Whom he always had a question he needed to ask). From his words and emotions, I feel, he loved and missed his presence. As stubborn as he was, I know in my heart He truly loved his son more than he allowed most to see. NIck I wish with all my heart that Rich didn't have to go to heaven as he did. I really did try to believe that he was going to be okay and come home. I was totally devasted for awhile, I believed I could only be strong with him around because he made me be a stronger woman and learn to live again. He has meant more to me in my lifetime than most others. I actually did lose myself for a time, as I am in a profession to help people aand they are not suppose to die. Yet, I see it that some do and some don't. What I want you to know is I am so sorry for your loss. I wish to extend my greatest sympathy to you and your family. I Loved your dad as much as you did in my own way. I considered him a dad to me. Without your dads influence in my life at a time I needed an influence is a very rare opportunity and God blessed mde with him in my life and the memories of which I hold very close to my heart and will never release. Thank you Nick for also making me feel welcomed and part of your family. My heart aches with yours, I know this for a fact.
Grandadaughter-Julianna,(I was always impressed with the conversations she led when she would visit or spend the night. His heart was filled with joy at all times with her around. He would specifically go shopping when he knew she was visiting or spending the night. Twin Grandsons-I'am really very sorry Nick, I don't know what the boys names are.(Rich would question if, they ever asked about their grandpa), I told him I was sure of it and someday soon he would see as they aged and their curiousity would greaten and probably take over. He being the proud grandpa with a heart big enough for everyone, longed to, spend time with his twin grandson's that wore the red hair as he once did as a child. Also survived by 2previous wives-1st exwife-The Mother of Jill and Nick. His first true love. Julianna was able to experience the two of them together at Christmas, A memory, she will grow fond of, as will others I tend to believe.(again, I'am sorry, I can not remember Jill and Nicks mom's name), Glenda is a woman he spent some years with on and off. A woman who claimed to love him and I think probably did in her own way, yet, she took everything that meant anything to him and kept taking up to the very end. I myself, can not understand how a woman claiming to love someone degrades and takes and shows no courtesy to a man who you claim to love. If a person loves someone, they do everything in their power to keep that of which the person held close to heart living and do not allow others to abuse it or destroy it. Knowing how private and personal Rich was and how he did not like others exploring his belongings, allowed people to take over personal possesions, denieing his family the opportunty to claim what should be theirs if he had had a will. I'am sorry, but from my understanding, and knowledge of love. This is not Love. To me this is control. Still trying to control something uncontrollable and gaining control, only through his death.
I really wish with all my heart that it was not the way it was nad I pray for Rich to help us who don't understand the why's to find some kind of comfort learning to live our lives without you. Her daughter-Tina and her son-Art, Tina and Rich had made some headway bringing peace to one another from the past towards the end right before he got sick. Tina's daughter-Rhianna, a girl, Rich would do anything for, He always wanted her to be at peace and happy. Most of the time, all she had to do was ask, he would try his best, to accomplish whatever she wanted from him. Arts son-Jacob,(as good looking as his father was. Takes on projects, it seems, to be working with his hands as did Art and Rich).
He has two special angels now, to help guide him, on his life's journey's. As well, I believe, Steve will be around him often also, since Steve always had a soft spot for kids. I will always hold a special prayer in my heart for Jacob.
As I know all too well, his pain of both, losing your father at a very young age, along with the realization and devastation of a suicide. It's impact on your emotions and daily trying to live your life. I hope and pray, Jacob remembers, there are people available, and willing, to help get you through the rough times. All you need to do, is ask, believe, have hope and above all survive.
There are many stories I've been told of Art. All sustain the fact, that he was genuinely special to everyone, he always had a good attitude and he was very handsome. Wow! Is he ever. His eyes are memerizing as you gaze into his pictures.
I only wish, I could have known Art, He sounds like a person I would be honored to be friends with. From what Rich and others told me, Art looked up to Rich, as if, Rich was his dad. In all reality, Rich accepted that responsibility and was proud to be in that position. He was available for the accomplishments, as well as, the scoldings when needed. He knew when to praise and he knew when to make a point.
Rich talked highly of Art, I believe they had a very close bond. Rich recalled nights with conversations as they sat in the garage some evenings. Art did look to Rich as a dad. Thats the reason, Art called Rich dad, which rich enjoyed hearing. Unfortunately, Art's battle with life ended too soon as he headed to Heaven before any other.
As you know, Rich was many persons, to many people. Brother, Brother-in-law, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, Husband and exhusbandx2, fill in father figure for 2, as well as a fill in granpa for 2. They called him "Rich Papa." He gave the entire family 210% almost always.
I have witnessed, how his kindness, generosity, encouragement, and scoldings have helped different people at various times.
His friends will say. "If there is anything that can't be found, ask Rich, He'll have it somewhere put away". Well organized down to the most intimate detail. Rich had atleast one thing of everything. Nothing went to waste around him. He always found a way to reuse something before discarding it.
Rich being the avid mechanic he was. I always told him I knew soon or later he would fix whatever it was he was working on. I did not once see anything not be able to be fixed around him.
He could fix anything. If no-one else could fix it, He could. If it couldn't be fixed, his friends say, "he would scrap it for parts", which, was neatly packed away, somewhere, until, the time came for a need for it. So true. So amazing.
There is not another in this world close to Rich. as a complete individual so important to so many people. Rich was special. He is also a bestfriend to many, each with there own heart to heart stories. All Amazing, All
great. and a friend to many if he so allowed.
Most honorably discharged, from the, United
States Air Force, where he had worked as a mechanic for the aircrrafts at the young age of 18. He told me this was probably the best decision he ever made in his life. He learned friendships, discipline, accuracy, dependability and loyality. As well as what the true meaning to friendship meant, while fighting in a war, unprepared for at the time.
He will be sadly missed by all and remain in the hearts and minds of many who knew and loved him just the way he was. Respected,Honorable,Trustworthy,Loyal, Observant, Organized, and Fun, and Stubborn, Rock and Roller from the late 50's to 60's. Born and raised Catholic in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mom and Dad owned an operated a grocery store business in the town. Family business is where Rich learned his business sense. I am told "Whenever he could be found." Moved to Arizona in the late 70's. He said "resisting the entire move." Rich was many things to many people.
I am positive, most people will have an amazing experinece, or a story to tell from their time spent with Rich. Above all, he was well liked and respected by all who knew him.
As a boy, he and his family told me, he was usually up to mischief and having fun. As a man, I learned that he was an old timer. Loved Rock-n-Roll. Still into a little mischief now and then. His toys surround the home in which he has lived in for the last 25 years. Rich is a little boy at heart whenever he walks into a toy store. One room in Rich's home is dedicated to the Packers and is complete serenity as you enter. A place he would retreat too whenever a conflict would arise.
Rich was constantly working on projects, for himself, to improve his surroundings as well as projects requested by others. His love for work was seen in the detail he applied to every job he took on. He would continue until he perfected every little detail about whatever. I would watch him work a few times and commented on how skillful and perfect he accomplished all jobs. His favorite jobs were doing little odds and ends to make a change in his surroundings toward a better and richer life in which he embarked.
They say "A man's castle is his home." I can say it was true about Rich's home. His castle was his empire. He built it with his own sweat and tears. He worked extremely hard around his castle making improvements everywhere. He loved to landscape and the blooms every season will live on in his memory. He enjoyed candles lit throughout the house. I would have to say, I bet underneath The exterior was probably a romantic at heart. He was an awesome cook. Which by the way his daughter is also. Like 2 peas in a pod. She picked up on the good attributes and ran with them. rich loved to ride with the free wind. His daughter can beat the boys as she rides with a smile on her face because she knows just how proud her dad is of her.
As he worked on his projects, he was precise, down to the detail and immpressiveness of each outcome. He took his time and made sure what he was doing, was what he wanted and it was all perfect as I could see. There is nothing Rich could not fix. There was no project he refused. He accepted all challenges and confidently and patiently achieved them all until the last one He was unable to finish because of his illness which engulfed him and his life.
Retired a few years back. He by all rights had already worked his career. Rich, in my mind should be doing things in his life which he found to be fun and enjoy them with a special someone in his life. He showed his caring side by giving presents that were so thoughtful and kind. Rarely did he go to the store and come home empty handed for himself, his dog, his cat, his hamster and even me now and then. Sometimes I thought his kindness was overlooked and he was taken advantage of by others. Something he felt and sometimes shared to those who seemed to disrespecting his kindness.
He enjoyed spending time out at the lake, learning the history of Arizona, as he transported visitors who wished to sightsee.to sightsee the lake. His friends called him "captain" nicknamed for operating a pontoon boat, which by the way he fixed to float on the waters at Lake Pleasant. The boat owned by lontime Ariona residents, in which he would drve, as the stories would be told of the Arizona adventures at Lake Pleasant.
Rich was close to his brother and sister-in-law and had been spending time with them almost every weekend. A time they became quite fond of sharing during football season as they cheered on the Packers.
A perfect story goes with their bond of brotherhood and friendship. One that I know was very important to him as he told me with such enthusiasm and detai. Later his brother also told me the story as well.
Rich provided for his family as an auto mechanic, for many years. I admired his determination as he worked on automobiles until he found the problem and corrected it without fail. He could find and fix any problem with any vehicle, motorbike, quad, boat. He lived his life with honesty. He worked hard, played hard, and lived life to the fullest to the very end.
I only knew him for six short months. Not nearly as long as I would have liked. I feel, I am truly blessed to have known him this long and lived with him for six months as his roommate. I thank God for this blessing everyday. I also thank his best friend, who introduced us, as the need for housing from myself,and the need for occupancy for him, came along.
I learned what his friends thought of him from his best friend who admires the steadfast qualities of Rich as a human being, a father, a husband and ex husband, a friend, One to be true and always there if ever need be. He would tell you how it is and if you didn't like the way he said it. Well too bad, he didn't say anything unless he could back up what he said. He always told me. Listen more than you talk. You can find out everything you ever need to know about a person just by listening. He said your instints are never wrong if your always listening.
He showed wisdom and knowledge of great importance in various areas of life. He is an example of living towards continuity. In six months, I learned everything I could from him as I realized his wisdom and knowledge was what I needed to move along in my life. I believe we helped each other over some guilt feelings, we both experienced, related to the persons we knew, who had committed suicide.
Rich was the dad, I never really experienced as a teenager, a time when girls need their dad's probably more than their moms.
We both had recently witnessed a suicide close to us that had obviously changed us emotionally, left us with unanswered questions, a guilt expressed as "If Only" or "Why didn't" and dealing with reality as life didn't stop because we were hurting on the inside. We each learned not to be guilty for the suicides in our lives in which we had not control of the other person. Our only control is with ourselves and we can do whats right or do whats wrong. We both decided to lead a life by doing whats right. I sometimes can go overboard with whats right. He always knew what to say to keep my emotions under control and avoid confrontations unless necessary.
Besides the fact that, the woman he had been with on and off he said for the past 27 years, recently moved out of his home and bought another. I feel from what I knew about him, and what little he said, had his heart broken for a love he felt unwilling to compormise with him. I do believe he loved her and was miserable that their relationship ended the way it did.
From what I learned about Rich and what I knew about my own mom. I tried to become little miss cupid and fix them up together. I knew in my heart they would have been perfect for one another. He was everything she wanted in a man and my mom was everything Rich wanted in a woman. Besides the fact of them being one year difference in age, my mom older. I always teased him after he and my mom started talking on the phone. I heard a laughter in him as she spoke to him. I heard her own voice as she was intrigued with him. He would point his finger at me and say "Don't even try it."
Rich was a proud father. He had singlehandly raised his daughter and son on his own after moving to Arizona. He was disciplined and tough. He taught his children to live with integrity, dependability, and morals of faith based. He expressed how proud he was of his daughter Jill and the woman she had grown into. There's was a special bond as should be between daughter and father. I saw it everytime her name was mentioned and she was near him. He told of fond memories between himself and his son. He spoke of wishes I wish could have been said. Important for us to remember what's being said in the eyes. Thats what matters to our heart. He understood and he Loved his son with all his heart. Wondered often about the grandsons. Whether or not their hair was still red. Rich, honey, I have to tell you. You are 4 of a kind. All in rememblence and all to be proud of the red on your heads. (I myself, admire)
I watched him with his granddaughter, wow! A special bond between the two. He joked and played and tricked. How special they were together. He loved her and his actions showed just how special she was to him. A family all pure with heart and memories of childhoods passed, yet fond, I'am sure. Riding and camping and barbequeing and just plain fun.
A family with many tributes and likeness in every way. Rich, I have to tell ya, the kids as well as the grandkids, they look just like you. I am sure they will also follow your footsteps in living a life for you to be proud of for all of eternity.
He loved and nutured all animals. Giving them a home of safety, fun, adventure and games. His heart had a week spot for most animals in need. I am so glad his last days was spent with a dog of his choice that loved him as none other.
He was always available to help anyone and is the one person I myself would want to be stranded on a desert island with. Becuase if anything needed to be done or fixed He was the man to do it.
His friendships showed longetivity and those who were close to him were special. Those who weren't, didn't matter. He only asked to be respected.
He led by example. He can be tough. He can be fun. He can be demanding. He can be quiet. He can be loud. He can be jokester.
He gave respect to all people. He expected the same respect back. Some people just didn't get it. He was an old school kinda guy. When someone else is talking, they are not to be interupted. When he was talking, he didn't like to be interupted. Most usually those that interupted him was when I saw him become irritated. He didn't like people around whom he didn't trust. He expected me to protect whats his as he would protect what was mine in return.
I knew Rich had my back and Rich knew I had his back. We made that pack between the two of us as we sat and talked one evening.
He was a quiet kind of man, wouldn't say if something was bothering him. You just kind of had to learn his mannerisms. When provoked watch out. The lion has just exited the den and the prey was going to hear and see the wrath he had.
It happened to me one time. Silly. Over a guy that said he would help with something and after helping and then not showing up to help again when he said he would. Me being the silly girl with romance in her head, defended the guy and took the wrath for about 12 hours and after that had enough. He also took what I had to say back. It wasn't nice but it was true and personal. An hour later, we were passing each other in the hall and he looked at me and said, "I'm really very sorry. I get pretty loud at times and I only did and said what I did to protect you because I care about you and I didn't want to see that person take advantage of you and hurt you. Can we still be roommates and friends? Can we give each other a hug to seal our friendship?"
I accepted his apology and I also said how sorry I was for what I said and I just wanted him to see that I did care about myself to realize he would have and did take avantage of my trust, generosity and I was glad Rich was around to make me see that. We were great from that point on and we was great up to that point.
There was wisdom learned on both of our behalfs that day and as roommates we were perfect for oneanother.
He allowed me to be myself again, without worrying about being too loud or bothering someone and it didn't matter what other people thought as long as I lived by my true beliefs. Don't let anyone take away from you, whats yours, and above all, don't allow anyone to disrespect or take advantage of you as another human being.
He had always told me, I need to get tougher. He also expressed a concern for me saying "I'am sorry" A sentence I am working on eliminating from my vocabulary. I need to not get too emotional and I need to stand my ground and say "No" more often.
These are the strenghs that I continue to adhere to. Because, I trusted him as a friend and as a roommate. I could not have asked for anyone more special than Rich to be in my life at that time frame.
Rich, I know you are going to be sadly missed by many people. I am so blessed that I was able to know and learn about your life. I will treasure the six months of knowing you with all my heart. I will continue to live with what you taught me to hopefully be as good a person as you were. Thank You. Rest In Peace. I Love You.
Rich died in the hospital after being admitted for BiLateral Pneumonia. Final diagnosis before death is considered to be a rare disease which affects 1 in 20000 to 1 in 30000 people called "Wegoners Granulamotosis." Articles read while researching this all say with early diagnosis survival rate is greatly increased.
I believed, he would be ok. I believed, he would walk out of the hospital. I believed and kept believing until I realized from experience, Rich was really bad off and our only hope after all medications were given is prayer. Prayer in numbers. I stopped often at the chapel and prayed and prayed.
Once again even though I believe in the power of prayer, it has failed my wishes and desires. I am trying to understand and rationalize why my prayers for life keep going unheard. Maybe someday, that question I will ask the one in charge of it. Until then Peace be with you Rich. I love you. Still feels like a dream because this man at 65 was in better physical shape than most 25 year olds. I am still numb from this experience and know I will be for awhile. I can only pray that people everywhere, if you are sick for 3 to 7 days, please, seek medical attention. See a Dr. Get the proper medications for what ails you and above all follow your Dr.s advice. Odd. but, I can see by looking back just how Rich's body was so desperately talking to him and asking for help without saying one word. If only we follow those signs and symptoms and question in more detail why is this happening? Please if your reading this and you know someone who might have a cold, a cont. runny nose, frequent nose bleeds, a cough that won't go away or is just plain sick with body aches and chills and sweats. Get them to request medical attention to diagnose their illness.
If I have forgotten any names I am sorry. I didn't intend to. If anyone has information they would like to add, I would likely agree. I only knew him for six months. I know others have known him a lifetime it would seem. Please email me if you would like to help me update this memorial website.
I do believe with all my heart that I am the luckiest girl in the world although very saddened with Rich gone. I was allowed the opportunity to know and learn from this great man. Till we meet again in the heavens above. I honor you with all greatness as only a man of your stature should be. You will forever remain in my heart. I hope and pray that as an angel you watch over us all and guide us on our rightous paths towards our own destinies.