Richard D. Wolanski, 67, of Spencer, formerly of Leicester, died Sunday, July 10th, at his home, surrounded by family after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

He leaves his wife of 48 years, Rosemary (Ethier) Wolanski; his son, Richard D. Wolanski, Jr. and his wife Amanda of Auburn; his daughter, Kathleen M. Soden and her husband Mark of Leicester; his brothers, Stephen Wolanski of Spencer and Robert Wolanski of Leicester; his sister, Kathleen M. Sharry and her husband Joseph of Worcester; his sisters-in-law, Patricia Marino of Oxford and Peg Erickson and her husband Melvin of Spencer; his grandchildren, Julia and Luke Soden, Nathaniel, Benjamin, and Karina Wolanski; several nieces and nephews.

A lifelong resident of Leicester, Rick was born in Worcester, the son of Richard T. and Dorathy (Harrington) Wolanski. He graduated from David Prouty High School in 1972. He later earned an Associate’s Degree from Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester, a Bachelor’s Degree from Anna Maria College in Paxton, and his Master’s Degree in Criminology from Western New England College in Springfield.

Rick was a Massachusetts State Trooper for 33 years, graduating from the 65th Recruit Training Troop in May of 1982. He was stationed at the Northampton, Springfield, and Brookfield barracks throughout his career. He was assigned as a detective in the former Crime Prevention and Control Unit attached to the Worcester District Attorney’s office and as the Unit Commander for the Academy’s Health & Fitness Unit. He retired in 2015 and finished his career with the rank of Lieutenant, as the Station Commander for the Brookfield Barracks. Before his service with the MSP, he worked as an officer at the UMass Medical Center Police Department and as a patrolman for the Leicester Police Department.

Rick had a voracious appetite for sports and health. He enjoyed barefoot and slalom water skiing, racquetball, golfing, basketball, jogging, and biking. He and a friend once rode their bicycles from Florida to Maine just for fun.

Rick lived his life with adventure and wonder. There was no challenge so big that he shrank from it, and no pleasure so small that he dismissed it. His most precious asset was his time, and he gave it to others freely. Rick participated in seven Pan-Mass Challenges to raise money for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and volunteered his time at the Leicester Food Pantry. He was Scout Master for Leicester Boy Scout Troop 126 and coached softball. He was instrumental in building and supporting the Beverly School of Kenya, a renowned K-12 science and technology boarding and day school for underserved children in the villages and communities of Kenya.

Rick married his high school sweetheart in 1974. He and Rose had a love story that lasted for 50 years. Rick and Rose were able to spend their retirement exercising together, nights out at the Hanover theater, traveling extensively, and savoring time with family and friends. One of Rick’s greatest joys was spending time with his family. He loved boating and tubing with his five grandchildren at the lake house in Spencer.

The family would like to thank the medical teams at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute of Boston and Milford, and the Overlook Visiting Nurse Association Home Care & Hospice in Charlton for the loving care provided to Rick during his illness.

Rick’s funeral will be held on Monday, July 18th from the MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 1131 Main St., Leicester, with a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Pius X Church, 1153 Main St., Leicester. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours are Sunday, July 17th, from 2 to 5 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Beverly A. Lidonde Education Corporation, 206 Boston Rd, Sutton, MA 01590, or the Leicester Food Pantry, 759 Main St., Leicester, MA 01524.