Roy Wnek

Roy Wnek, passed away at the age of 69 on June 7, 2025, from complications of pneumonia at Yale New Haven Hospital. His wife was at his side. Born in Chicago, Illinois on July 11, 1955, to Edward and Jane Wnek (Antosz), Roy spent his early years with his maternal grandparents, Joseph and Anna Antosz (Szalona). From the start, Roy shared a special bond with Grandfather Joe—the pair being so close that family nicknamed them “Glue.” Roy’s childhood was steeped in the influence of extended family including his uncles, who played formative roles in his life—Stanley shared his love of engineering, and Raymond filled the home with jazz music. Roy began working at a young age, instilling in him a strong appreciation for merit, which he consistently upheld.

A spirited youth, Roy became a man of many talents, his nature was rebellious yet principled. He attended Holy Innocents (Felician) Catholic grammar school and as a teen he became an Eagle Scout. After graduating from Taft High School, he attended West Point and graduated in 1977. He concluded his military service with the rank of Captain.

Roy’s drive and intellect led him to earn two MS degrees, from VPI in CS, and a Masters of Science in Business from BU. No question, Roy was smart and creative. While living in Springfield, Virginia, he balanced demanding roles at Booz Allen Hamilton while teaching graduate-level computer science at Virginia Tech and business courses in the Johns Hopkins MBA program. In 2001, Roy retired and began a less hectic chapter of life moving to Terryville, Connecticut, with his wife, Irene Zajac, a native of the Nutmeg State.

In this quiet setting, Roy embarked upon his literary journey. He founded the Litchfield Community Writers Group, to foster the craft of several aspiring authors. The group published an annual anthology for 14 years. Roy’s pen breathed life into characters including Joe Steak, a Tough Piece of Meat; Blaster McReady, and the Magee sisters, Bubbles and Pickles. Roy’s imagination was ever restless, leaving behind unfinished works “Tales from the Corner Cubicle” and “Back Alley Stories”. In one of his stories he recounts how his grandmother survived the Titanic (didn’t get aboard). His hobbies included gardening, teaching chess, as well as writing movie critiques. Roy was a gastronome who enjoyed the company of friends while introducing them to culinary adventures. With some determination, he accomplished the nearly impossible feat of teaching his wife Irene to cook. He was an athletic runner, competitive fencer, and enthusiastic cross country skier. He loved many styles of music though was not able to play an instrument to save his life. He loved to read and tell stories. He enjoyed camping, fishing, skeet shooting and was a gun collector.

Sadly, Roy suffered from IgA nephropathy which in his early 50s brought him to become a renal transplant recipient in 2006. Irene joked that he kept her around in case he needed her second kidney. He lived his life bravely after the transplant and with passion. He was unrelenting in pursuing his many projects and dreams.

He is predeceased by his beloved grandparents and parents as well as his uncles Joe, Chester, Raymond and Stanley Antosz. He is survived by his devoted wife Irene and his loving dog Flora who reside in Terryville. He loved his grandparents genuinely and spoke of them often with admiration and fondness. His ashes will be interred with them at St. Adalbert Cemetery in Niles, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to KARMA Kees Keeshond rescue (www.karmakees.org)