Ryszard “Boris” Stanislaw Grodzki, 69, of Mattapoisett, passed away peacefully, and surrounded by family, on Monday, September 30, 2024.
Born in the small village of Liza Stara, Poland, son of the late Stanislaw Grodzki and Kazimiera Grodzka, Richard lived in Poland and throughout Eastern Europe for 27 years before immigrating to the United States in 1979. Unbeknownst to many, Richard achieved the “American Dream.” Landing in New York with nothing more than a suitcase of clothes, $125.00 in his pocket, no friends or family in the US, and no knowledge of the English language, Richard dove headfirst into the unknown for a chance at a new life away from the struggles of Communist Poland. He worked tremendously hard each and every day to better his and his family’s lives. Starting out humbly folding linens for a small hotel in Connecticut, Richard briefly explored his work options throughout the US, and quickly decided on putting down roots in New Bedford, MA.
Son of a blacksmith and potato farmer, Rich was no stranger to hard work and long days, so with a trade-school education in ship building from Gdansk, Poland, signs pointed Richard towards commercial scalloping. He pursued this career throughout the 1980’s and into the early 1990’s, during which time he met his wife Kimberly (Rose) (Ray). They married in 1985, and in 1991, they welcomed their first son, Cody, into the world. Richard developed a passion for history and antiques, and began studying these topics when not out fishing. This self-taught education became the springboard for opening a small antiques and collectibles business, which then turned into an auction house once the family relocated to Georgia in 1993. In 1997, Richard and Kim were blessed with their second son, Evan.
Soon after, the family of four moved back to the South Coast, continuing the family business and spending time visiting Richard’s family in Poland. In 2001, Richard was granted US citizenship, something of which he and the family were very proud. Over the next two decades, Richard continued to work, grow, and support his family. In 2020, Richard moved to Mattapoisett to live with his son Cody and daughter-in-law Kaylee. There, he enjoyed his final years relaxing with his favorite dogs, Mia and Frejya, tinkering with small antiques and collectibles, and restoring paintings.
Those who knew Rich knew that family was always first to him. He always did everything he could to provide for his two boys. Rich loved telling jokes, drinking good, strong coffee, and enjoying the company of his many, many friends. He was the life of every party, and even in the darkest of times, could always be counted on as a beacon of light.
Survivors include his son Cody Ryszard Grodzki and daughter-in-law Kaylee of Mattapoisett, son Evan Stanislaw Grodzki of Mattapoisett; and his siblings, Gabryszka Michaluk, Renata Dudzinska, and Irek Grodzki of Bialystok, Poland.
A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, October 19 from 12:00pm-3:00pm at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com
