Richard "Renio" Dziondziakowski Sr.

Richard “Renio” Dziondziakowski Sr. passed away May 24, 2024 at the age of 77 years. He is survived by his son, Richie Jr. (Amy), daughter Lisa, sister Mary Ann “Monia” (George) Jacobsen. Grandchildren Morgan, Ava, Miranda (Derek), Darren (Beth), and Melanie, as well as, other grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. On May 24, 2024 I left the physical world to be with the love of my life, my wife Alice (nee Cole), my dad Peter, my mother Charlotte, my brother Pete Jr., my sister Dorothy, my in-laws Lola, Bud and Barb, my grandparents I never had the chance to meet, and other relatives from Poland. My life began in a barn in Augusta, Poland in 1946. I came to America with my mom in 1949 at the age of three, and joined my dad and brother who had immigrated earlier. Three years later, my dad, due to an unfortunate accident at work, tragically died, leaving my mother to raise 4 children on her own (my 2 sisters born here in America). Life was not easy, but it also made us stronger. I became interested in cars at an early age and bought my first at fifteen years old. I was a gear head ever since. As a teen, I drag raced at Union Grove and over the years collected (bought and sold) many classic cars. That's when I found my love for Corvettes. I grew up searching for my talents and trying to figure out my life's work. I tried all aspects: cake decorator, gas jockey, mechanic, factory worker, etc. I then decided to follow my brother Pete and tried my hand at welding, and knew this was my future. I got adventurous, bought a Cadillac, and relocated to California. I stayed a couple years, built a couple Corvettes, but ended up moving back to Wisconsin. I then focused on improving my welding skills and found I excelled at tig welding exotic metals. I was all self-taught by practice. I married Alice; it was love at first sight. She was the one I had been waiting for. We had a son Richie Jr. and together we raised four kids. We were fortunate to be able to travel across the country as a family, and Alice and I annually to Las Vegas. Life was good. I felt very fortunate and blessed. Art was always an interest of mine, so I started making metal sculptures after work and on weekends and sold some at Fairs and Craft Shows. I joined the Kenosha Pipefitters in the 7O's. I worked government jobs, at nuclear plants, and traveled to at least eight different states using my tig welding skills. At a Union Dinner, I was referred to as the "Golden Arm". I could weld anything into any position. I always said, you can do anything you want in life. Opportunities are there for everyone. Being an immigrant, never finishing high school, with only one parent raising us, I found a way to succeed. Unfortunately at sixty, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 throat cancer. With God's help, my Wife's love and determination, and a hard fought battle, my cancer went into remission and I became cancer free. Eight years later, life again came crashing down when my loving wife was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. I could do anything, but nothing I did could save her. I missed her every second of every day. Years later, I suffered from complications related to the after effects of the chemo and radiation I had endured to cure my initial throat cancer. My story has ended, but I achieved all I set out to do with my Love Alice by my side. Opportunities are there for everyone. Visitation Wednesday, June 5 from 4:00-7:00 PM at ROZGA FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES – ROZGA-WALLOCH CHAPEL. Additional visitation Thursday, June 6 from 10:00-11:00 AM at ROZGA-WALLOCH CHAPEL followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00 AM. Interment St. Adalbert Cemetery. Rozga Funeral & Cremation Services Rozga-Walloch Chapel 4309 South 20th Street Milwaukee, WI 53221