Richard J Wekerle

Rich Wekerle passed away on June 13, 2026.

He was born in Yonkers, New York, on August 17, 1936 and attended Roosevelt High School in Yonkers. Rich proudly served in the United States Marine Corps.

Rich married his former wife, Patricia Cain (Maddalo), and together they had three children Robert, Ronald, and Richard. After retiring from both the New York City Fire Department and Matzko Welding Corp, he moved to Ketchum, Idaho, where he met his beloved wife and life partner, Dana, and from there the adventure began.

Rich and Dana were truly “Nomads,” as their RV license plate declared. They were free-spirited and deeply selfless. They spent nearly four years in Sierra Leone with the Peace Corps, where they helped build water wells and a school for blind children. Upon returning to the United States, they settled in Moscow, Idaho, where Rich built a beautiful home and enjoyed a new career as a real estate agent with Moscow Realty.

After Dana’s retirement from the University of Idaho, the Nomads set out once again, traveling to nearly every state and then moving to Douglas, Arizona. There, they devoted themselves to immigration and human rights issues along the southern border. Among the work Rich found most meaningful was placing water at designated locations for migrants crossing the border, planting memorial crosses where migrant lives had been lost, and starting a furniture business to help fund the Migrant Center in Douglas, Az . Rich was also deeply committed to the rights of indigenous people in Central and South America. His convictions led him to protest at the School of the Americas in Fort Benning, Georgia, for which he served 6 months in prison. He believed firmly in the rights and dignity of all people and actively participated in rallies supporting those values. Wherever they lived, Rich and Dana were devoted members of the Catholic Church.

Rich and Dana traveled the world together and made a wonderful team. They formed strong relationships with many people who became their lifelong friends and neighbors.

Rich was deeply loved by his family and his community. He is survived by his devoted wife of 46 years, Dana, and his three children, Robert, Ronald, and Richard, as well as Marianne and Nora. He is also survived by his grandchildren Kimberly (Todd), Ryan (Veronica), Kaitlyn (Charles), Sean (Sierra), Richard, and Matthew; and great-grandchildren Shane, Sofia, Henry, Colton, Theo, and Jacob.

He is further survived by his brothers Edward, Peter (Dianne), and Paul (Barbara); his sister Margaret (Edward); his many nieces and nephews; and his surrogate son, Bankie, along with his family. He is predeceased by his mother Margaret, his father Edward (Ned), and his sister-in-law Golda.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m at St. Mary’s Church on June 23, 2026, preceded by the Rosary at 10:30, and followed by a luncheon at the Church Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Moscow Fire Department, St. Vincent de Paul, or a charity of your choice.

A memorial service will also be held at a later date in Danbury, Connecticut, for family and friends in the East to celebrate Rich’s life.