Obituary of Romuald Chodkowski

My dad was my dear friend and loving mentor and role model. He raised my sister, Jill, and me as a single dad for many years, dedicating himself to us and always putting himself last. He did everything he could for his family; they were always his clear priority. My dad was a veteran of the United States Army and a retired police officer of the New York City Police Department. My dad had a passion for both music and animals; he never met a dog or stray cat he didn’t adopt. Dad was a lifelong athlete, a talented pitcher in softball, an amazing speed skater well into his eighties (it’s true!), and a weight lifter for just as long. My dad had a brand of humor all his own and could always lighten a mood with his sparkling eyes and corny jokes. When he suffered the devastating loss of Rowena, his beloved wife and soulmate of 45 very special years, and concurrently endured serious physical setbacks, life changed. The most incredible statement I can make about this chapter of his life is that he was never heard to complain, not once. This athlete, wheelchair-bound, still had concerns only for his children, grandchildren, and great-children. When Tricia, Chris, Marissa, Tom, and great-grandchildren Mikayla, Ashley, Tommy, Chase, Lindsey, and Patrick, and only surviving sibling, Theresa, visited him, even during his last months, he glowed with a very special joy reflecting his enduring love of family. We all love this man. He was so, so good!