Obituary of Richard Karwan

Richard E. “Rick” Karwan, the face behind many photos’s taken throughout the town of Burlington for over 38 years, passed away after a yearlong battle with cancer. The beloved husband of Anna (Snopkowski) and dad of Nicholas, he was 65 years old. Rick was born, raised and educated in Amsterdam, NY. He was the son of the late Edmund & Cecilia Karwan. Rick was a talented musician playing multiple instruments including the Saxophone. In High School he was a member of the “High Tones” Polka Band. As a child Rick spent many happy summers at his parents Lake Home in Broadalbin NY. Rick shared his love for this home with his wife Anna and son Nick and many of his friends. After High School Rick moved to Boston to attend Berklee College for Music. He taught music for a number of years before getting involved with Photography. Rick owned Karwan Photos and also worked for the Daily Times for over 30 years. Rick was a familiar face around town and attended so many events that he was considered somewhat of an historian. You could find him at a Memorial Day Ceremony, A League Parade or a Political Debate to name a few! Rick was very involved in BCAT. He had been President for over ten years and a mentor to many of the volunteers and BOD members. He was very active in the United Church of Christ Congregational where he was a member for many years. Rick was a proud member of the Rotary Club of Burlington where he was Past President. Rick was in charge of the Dictionary Project for a number of years which distributed dictionaries to 3rd grade classes in Burlington. In 2001, through Rotary, Rick made a trip to Bolivia to document the teams experience as they performed 100 cleft lip and palate surgeries on children. This experience made a huge impact on Rick’s life and he shared his experience with Rotarians both in Burlington and other clubs. This past Friday afternoon, the day that he passed away, Rick was honored by his Rotary Club of Burlington family, where he was presented his third prestigious Paul Harris Award. Rick, Anna and Nick loved to travel. Disney was one of their favorite destinations making over 20 trips. They also took cruises and other vacations together as a family. His family had just celebrated his 65th birthday this past June with a gathering of many family and friends at the American Legion. As a dad Rick was very supportive of his son Nick’s involvement in the Scouts as well as Karate. Nick and Rick shared many of the same interests which resulted in a very close father & son bond. Rick was very proud of his involvement and accomplishments in BCAT and Rotary. He considered his friends in these organizations to be part of his extended family. Rick will be remembered as a loving husband, proud father, gifted photographer and a very dear friend to so many people in the Community of Burlington. Rick was the beloved husband of 15 years of Anna (Snopkowski). Rick was the proud father of Nicholas. Son-in-law of Antoni & Irene Snopkowski of Worcester. Brother-in-law of Steve Snopkowski of Charlton and Donna Snopkowski of Worcester. Cousins Alfred Mazur of CA and Stephanie Karwan, Helen (Bubniak) Bartone, Daniel Bubniak, David Bubniak, Kathleen (Gilmore) Kozlowsky, Karen (Gilmore) Mason, Chester Blonkowski Jr., Eugene Blonkowski, Alexander Beauchamp, Dawn (Beauchamp) Ralbovsky, Alfred Weaver, Stanley Weaver Jr., Jean (Weaver) Dagostino, Emilia Tomaszewski, Stefan Tomaszewski, Stanley Karwan Jr, Richard Karwan all of NY. Joan (Weaver) Pompilio, Christopher Karwan, Sharon Aileo of PA and many other family and friends. A Memorial Wake will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Wednesday, Oct. 9 from 4-8 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at the United Church of Christ Congregational, 6 Lexington St., Burlington on Sunday, Oct. 13 at 2 p.m. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers memorials in Rick’s name may be made to Karwan Family Educational Fund, C/O Northern Bank, 13 Center St., Burlington MA 01803.