Richard Joseph Edward Witkowski, 79, was called to his Heavenly Abode on April 14, 2022, after a 5-year battle with pancreatic cancer.  Born in Niagara Falls, he was the son of the late Stephen and Helen (Guzdek) Witkowski.

Richard was a 1960 graduate of Bishop Duffy High School and Niagara County Community College, where he studied Accounting and Information Systems.  He was a member of the National Guard until his Honorable Discharge in 1961. He was a volunteer for the United Way, YMCA and Heart, Love & Soul. He donated blood to the Red Cross for 50 years. He was a leader in the Community.

He was the CIO of Niagara Falls Memorial, St Mary's and Ascension Health and retired after 50 years of collective service.

Richard was always positive, a lover of life, a perfectionist, a comforter, an enthusiast of American sports cars. He had a heart of gold, a welcoming personality, was humble, kind and charismatic, and a God -fearing Altar boy and member of the Catholic Church.  He was playful as well as a supportive leader of the dreams of all those who he came in touch with. People from infancy to adulthood gravitated to Richard's smile and kind demeanor, and was a mentor and friend to many.

If one has to list the qualities of the perfect son, husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and colleague, he would have to possess all the qualities listed above, and Richard Witkowski checked every box. Amen.

Richard is survived by his wife of 32 years, Susan (nee Pais); his children, June (Frank), Louise, Rick and Patricia (Josh); his grandchildren, Michael (Kristy), Amanda, Christian, Holly (Danzel), Mercedes, Ashby, and Guinevere; his great-grandchildren, Cameron, Michael, Jaylin, Christian, Lily, Danielle, Bryce and Landon; his brother, Tom (Myriam); as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was the brother-in-law of Roy and Lester.  He was predeceased by his brother, Stephen, his in-laws, Val and Lancy Pais, and his brother-in-laws, Allan and Ivor (BJ).

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 20 from 2 – 7 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14304.  Visitation will continue from 9 – 10 AM on Thursday at St. Mary of The Cataract Church, 237 4 ^th Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14301, where Richard's Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM.  In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to Niagara Hospice, Heart, Love & Soul, or to Roswell Park Golisano Oncology at Niagara Falls Memorial Hospital.  Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.