Richard Joseph Pawelski, MD

Richard J. Pawelski, M.D., lived 90 years of achievement, joy, and significance, departing from this life on Jan. 26, 2025 from complications of COVID.

Richard was born Sept. 1, 1934 in Reading, Pa. His father William owned a mom-and-pop market in downtown Reading. His mother Rose gave birth to four other sons: Bob (“Father Bob,” deceased), Bill, Greg and Paul. He emerged as a star pupil at school and an avid musician at home. He worked in the family market and began playing music in local bars at the age of 11. Richard won a scholarship to Lafayette College at 16 and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Medical School with Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Omega Alpha academic honors.

Richard married Jane Baczewski in 1957 while he was in medical school. They lived in Miami and New York City where Richard completed internships in internal medicine and radiology, and were posted to Fort Carson, Colo., where Richard served as a captain in the U.S. Army. In 1967, he and Jane moved to Hampden Township, Pa., where they raised their four children and lived for the next 30 years.

Richard was a radiologist and a partner in the Harrisburg-based practice of Tristan Associates. He is remembered by patients for his skill as a doctor and his warmth as a person. He showed empathy to patients in need of comfort, and did magic tricks for children to ease their anxiety over medical procedures.

Richard was proud of his four children: Dr. Lisa Pawelski of Pittsburgh, Pa. (Ken Danchik); Rick Pawelski of Dillsburg, Pa (Tracy); Natalie Pawelski of Atlanta, Ga. (John Rogers); and Victoria Pawelski of Arlington, Va. Richard delighted in his six grandchildren: Emily, Juliet, Elizabeth, Jon, Daniel, and Charlotte. He was happiest when surrounded by family.

Richard maintained a great intellectual curiosity throughout his life, but music was his great talent and joy. He was an accomplished piano player and accordionist, and played the organ in church until the age of 89.

Richard and Jane enjoyed spending time on Chincoteague Island, Va., where they owned a home for 40 years and eventually retired. Richard enjoyed the ocean views and wildlife, local community of friends, and playing the organ for the choir mass at St. Andrew’s the Apostle Catholic Church on Sundays.

A celebration of life will be held with family at a later date.

Wherever he went, Richard will be remembered as a first-rate physician, an enthusiastic musician, and a man of humor and honor.