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<p><em>Roy Michael Wnek</em> passed away on June 7, 2025 in New Haven, CT. His beloved wife, Irene Zajac, was at his side.Born in Chicago, IL on July 11, 1955 to Edward and Jane Wnek (Antosz), Roy’s early years were enriched by his maternal grandparents, Joseph and Anna Antosz (Szalona). His childhood was shaped by several talented uncles, including Bell Labs genius Stanley, who ignited his passion for engineering; Joe, a tail gunner and successful corporate accountant; and Chester, the jazz musician who filled the home with soulful sound. From a young age, Roy worked for his father’s carpentry business, acquiring a deep respect for hard work.</p>
<p>Roy attended Holy Innocents Catholic Grammar School and served as an altar boy in the corresponding church. While at Taft High School, he earned his Eagle Scout badge and was a member of the student council, National Honor Society, and Taft honor club. He also served as commander of the JROTC unit. Roy was an energetic, natural leader. During his time at Taft, he also attended Chicago City College and, upon graduation, received his appointment to West Point from U.S. Representative Roman Pucinski.</p>
<p>At West Point, Roy was assigned to Company F-2, “The Zoo,” where he fit right in. He participated in the Military Affairs Club, German Club, and Howitzer, and he served on the Car Committee. During First Class year, he was reassigned to G-2 and graduated with the Class of 1977, commissioned in the Signal Corps. His peers described him as a good friend who was as comfortable in the field as he was in a boxing ring. His family was deeply proud of him, especially his grandad, who had seen the soldier in him from the start.</p>
<p>Roy was assigned to the 1st Armored Division in Germany, where he served for three years with the Signal Corps. He concluded his military service in 1982 with the rank of captain. Roy was then hired by Booz Allen Hamilton as a computer systems engineer. </p>
<p>Roy earned a master’s degree in computer science from Virginia Tech and an Master of Science in Business Analytics from Boston University. While living in Springfield, VA, he balanced demanding roles at Booz Allen Hamilton with teaching graduate-level computer science at Virginia Tech and economics at the Johns Hopkins extension study program. In 2001, Roy retired and began a new chapter, moving to Plymouth, CT with his wife, Irene, a native of the Nutmeg State.</p>
<p>In New England, Roy founded the Litchfield Community Writers Group (LCWG) to encourage aspiring authors. The group published an annual anthology for 14 consecutive years. Roy’s pen brought to life unforgettable characters such as Joe Steak, a tough piece of meat; Blaster McReady; and the Magee sisters, Bubbles and Pickles. He founded the LCWG Foundation in 2019, a nonprofit charity offering funding for writers. The group was honored to support Litchfield’s poet laureate.</p>
<p>Roy’s hobbies were as diverse as his talents. He enjoyed vegetable gardening, woodworking, playing and teaching chess, writing movie critiques, playing pinochle, cooking, baking breads, fishing, and shooting, and he was a collector of firearms and oriental rugs. His rye bread (“Roy’s Rye”) won a local prize for best rye bread. A true gastronome, he loved hosting dinner parties and taking friends on culinary adventures. Roy was a runner, competitive fencer, and enthusiastic cross-country skier. Though he couldn’t play a musical instrument to save his life, he had a deep love for many styles of music. He was an avid reader and a master storyteller who loved to make people laugh. One of the senior members of LCWG commented, “Roy was not a ‘someday I’d like to…’ man. He embraced every dream and put his all into them.”</p>
<p>Sadly, Roy inherited IgA nephropathy, which arrived with little warning and required him to undergo a renal transplant. Fortunately, Irene was able to donate. Throughout his life, Roy lived bravely and passionately, believing that every day should be lived as a prayer. His engaging ideas and sense of humor are deeply missed by his friends and family. He was an inspiration to many.</p>
<p>Roy is predeceased by his grandparents, parents, and many aunts and uncles. He is survived by his two sisters, their spouses, several cousins, nieces, nephews, and his devoted wife, Irene Zajac, as well as his faithful Keeshond dog, Flora. </p>
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