Richard S. Bonczek

Richard S. Bonczek, 76, of Rotterdam, passed away at his residence on June 12, 2026 after a brief illness. He was born in Rome and was the son of the late Stanley S. Bonczek and Jane S. (Lenio) Bonczek. He attended St. Mary’s Grade School and in 1967 he graduated from Rome Catholic High. He went on to earn his Associates in Applied Science degree at SUNY Canton. In July of 1969 he began his thirty-six-year career with the New York State Department of Health’s Bureau of Public Water Supply Protection. Rick worked on many different programs within the bureau, but his most fulfilling job was the responsibility for the Bottled Water Program. He was involved in the initial development of the program and, at his retirement in July of 2005, it was stated that, “Rick was the foremost expert of bottled water standards in the world.”

Rick met his wife Joanne (Deegan) when she began working in the bureau in 1978. They were married on June 6, 1987 and recently celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary. In 1994 they moved to their home in Rotterdam where Rick would spend endless hours from morning to night working to make their house and grounds beautiful. He loved to work in his vegetable gardens, but his pride and joy was his “golf course” lawn which was admired by many neighbors and friends.

In high school Rick was a standout hurdler (his senior yearbook said he was “faster than a speeding bullet”). He held the school’s high hurdles record for decades, leaving a legacy of excellence that will not be forgotten.

Rick was an avid hunter and fisherman in his younger days and he and his wife, Joanne, enjoyed many years in their canoe fishing together. They were also season ticket holders for the New Jersey Devils farm team, the Albany River Rats. He was a Boston Red Sox and Celtics fan, and cheered for the New England Patriots, especially after meeting some of their cheer leaders! 

Although Rick never traveled overseas, he had the pleasure of meeting many of Joanne’s relatives from Italy who visited over the years. He was very generous and welcoming to them and they all held a special place in his heart.

He and Joanne liked to go to concerts, casinos, antiquing, wine tasting, and traveling to many historic places and beaches. Some of their favorite places were the Finger Lakes, Delaware, Maine, and Rhode Island.

Rick is survived by his wife Joanne M. Bonczek of Rotterdam, his sisters Patricia Thayer and Carol (Michael) Malorzo of Rome. His in-laws, Frank and Nancy Deegan of Valatie, brother-in-law Michael (Donna) Deegan and sister-in-law Laura Lee (Michael) Razanousky and his nieces and nephews, Mark (Sherry) Lamie, Shelley Young (Andrew), Ericka Malorzo, Christine (Joseph) Dambra, Michael Thayer, Alicia (Joseph) Groat, and Eric Razanousky.  Many great nieces and nephews also survive.

The family would like to thank Drs. Bernstein, Purga, and Sullenberger of Capital Cardiology Associates for the many years of care they provided to Rick.

Family and friends are invited and may call on Wednesday June 24, 2026 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm with funeral mass to follow at 12:00 pm all at St. Michael’s Church 175 Williams Road, Troy, NY 12180. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Albany.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a donation in Rick’s memory to Capital Cardiology Associates, 7 Southwoods Blvd, 3rd Floor, Albany NY 12211. 

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