Holy Rosary is saddened to report the death of Fr. Richard Wojciechowski who passed away on January 20, 2015.
Viewing will be at Kaczorowski Funeral Home and at Holy Rosary as follows:
1201 Dundalk Ave. – Dundalk 21222 408 S. Chester St. Baltimore 21231
Saturday – Jan. 24 – 3-5 pm and 7-9 pm
Sunday – Jan. 25 – 2-6 pm
Monday – Jan. 26 – 9-10:45 am
Reverend Richard Philip Wojciechowski was born on July 10, 1937 in Baltimore, MD to John Wojciechowski and the former Stella Kuta. He was raised as one of two sons in a traditional Polish family. Father Wojciechowski was baptized at Holy Rosary Parish in Baltimore, MD on August 1, 1937. He was confirmed at Holy Rosary Parish on November 23, 1947. He attended Holy Rosary Parish elementary school for eight years before he began his high school and college studies at the St. Charles College in Baltimore, MD in 1951.
In 1957, Father Wojciechowski entered St. Mary’s Seminary on North Paca Street for initial theological studies. In 1959, he began his studies for ordination to the priesthood at St. Mary’s Seminary in Roland Park. After completion of his studies, he was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Baltimore on May 25, 1963 at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen by the Most Reverend Lawrence Cardinal Shehan, Archbishop of Baltimore.
After his ordination he was assigned to Holy Rosary Parish in Baltimore as an associate pastor. He served there until he was transferred to Sacred Heart of Mary Parish in Graceland Park on October 1, 1966. He was transferred back to Holy Rosary Parish on June 10, 1967 where he served as associate pastor until May 28, 1968 when he was appointed to the same office at St. Stephen Parish in Bradshaw. He served as associate pastor at St. Rita Parish in Dundalk beginning on June 6, 1970 and remained there until he was transferred to the Church of the Annunciation Parish in Rosedale on June 13, 1973. On June 30, 1976 he returned to Holy Rosary parish as associate pastor. On June 24, 1978 he was appointed as pastor for Christ the King Parish in Dundalk.
He was pastor at Christ the King Parish until September 1, 2003 when he retired. For many years of his priestly service, he ministered to the Knights of Columbus as a chaplain. He also served as the chaplain to the Baltimore County Police Department. Throughout his priestly career, he enjoyed leading the community in many traditional Catholic devotions. After he retired, he resided at St. Stephen’s Green and later at Stella Maris where he died.
According to Msgr. James Farmer, a longtime friend, Father Wojciechowski was extremely committed to his people wherever he was assigned, particularly in their times of need. He also had a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother. He delighted in the company of his fellow priests and was a regular member of a group of priests who met twice a month for dinner and fellowship.
Father Wojciechowski was also a dedicated football fan, following first the Baltimore Colts and later the Baltimore Ravens. On one occasion, he flew to Chicago to attend an away game for the Baltimore Ravens. He was also an Orioles enthusiast and attended many games over the years.