Alexander Wolny Obituary
April 22, 1985 - Sept. 27, 2013
Resident of Union City
My name is Al and I was born with an incredible determination to compliment the challenging life ahead of me with cerebral palsy. Being equal parts of Polish and Korean- I was quite the "spice." With all that I was, I mastered being charming, humorous, and even mischievous just to mention a few of my most loved characteristics. As my family knows best, I also had a deep sensitive, loyal and loving side.
Being limited to a wheelchair, made me live "adventure and excitement" every moment I had with the people and places I experienced in my 28 years.
I was a sports nut and played Little League Baseball in the Challenger Division for 10 years. I cheered for the San Francisco Giants and 49ers. My sports heroes were Joe Montana and Jerry Rice. I was the Assistant Coach and 2008 Special Olympian of the Year for Track & Field at James Logan High School. Amazingly, I was named Special Athlete of the Year in 2010. I always had a passion for cooking. My culinary heroes were Sara, Jacque T., Julia Child, Nick S., Lidia, and Jamie Oliver. I spent a day as a chef at the Culinary Academy in Napa. Everyone there was asking who Chef Alex Wolny was because they had never heard of me before! (Seriously? After that day, I'll be the "spice" they'll always remember!!!) I enjoyed watching the news, Jeopardy, Whose Line is it Anyway?, Ellen, and Steve Harvey. I loved to laugh and my favorite comedians were: George Carlin, Richard Pryor, Bill Cosby, Ellen, and Russel Peters
I was employed as a "Professional Game Contestant" winning money to donate to charities. My heart was made stronger being able to "give" to others, especially, the Union City Special Olympics Team.
I attended Special Education programs at AID, Grankler, Patterson Elem., Alvarado M.S., James Logan H.S., and American H.S. I am grateful to all my teachers: Mrs. Bowman, Mr. G., Mr. Vinson, Coach Webb, Ms. Linn, Ms. Patterson, and more. I want to thank all my paraeducators; JoAnn Starr, Linda Maya, Kyle, and others.
I am grateful to: Mrs. Han, Mrs. Pyun, and others at RCEB. Pilar Ford, my longtime nurse. Doreen, Judy, Sina, and others at Dungarvin. Poch, Rafael, Lito, Tim, Mike Elias, Nick, Jo Jo, and nurses: Susan, Golda, and Lily at Rieger Place. My MV bus drivers Patricia & Robert. My Durham bus drivers Shirley, and others. Marie, my creative neighbor, who gave me memories to laugh about.
Huge thanks to the medical community who supported me: Dr. R. Kremers, Dr. V. Chu, Dr. Bains, Dr. Organ and many wonderful Kaiser doctors and nurses.
Blessed to have had great & faithful friends: Eugene, Chunshu, Nathan, Aldo, Marco, Paul, Kevin, Sarah, Anthony, Fatima, Zac, Pedro, Robert W., and so many others.
Immeasurable love and appreciation goes to my incredible family who selflessly cared for me and provided the best days of my life; Young (Mother), Andy (Father), brothers Kris and Michael. Babcia, Ciocia Lidzia and her healing treatments, cousins Krysty, Patrick, Wongi and more. Halmoni, Emo's (Korea & Germany) and other relatives in various locations worldwide.
I appreciated all who attended my short noticed "Celebration of Life" event. It was great to have some of my antics shared and laughed about such as my day dressed as a Chia Pet. I know I will be remembered!
My greatest gratitude to all who touched my heart, added to my life, and made my journey an incredible adventure worth having. I finally made it to my destination. I am free! I am dancing! See you later in this better place.
As my last request, please make any donation to the Union City's Special Olympics (payable to Cindy Lamm: [email protected])
Love, Alex (AKA: Al, Big Al, and Alexander)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Cesar Cunningham Jr.
October 15, 2024
I have never forgotten you,Alex. I remember how we rode the bus together! To school and to Glankler. You will never be forgotten. I know that you are dancing!
Bob Vinson
October 11, 2021
I just read a book that reminded me so much of Alex--a story about a brilliant student who was not able to express all the knowledge that was inside his head. Alex is a student I was very blessed to have, and one that I will never forget.
Melinda Hoover
November 20, 2013
Young Oak and Andy,
I just heard the news of the passing of your beloved Alexander. I am so so sorry. I know you both are heartbroken. My love to you both and to Kris and Michael. It was always so nice to see Alex at weddings and family gatherings. He will be missed.
Nina Castle
November 20, 2013
Dear Andy, Young, and family--I am so sad to hear of this news; we had no idea. I know it has now been almost two months, but I know you still miss Alex. He was strong and amazing. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing but happy that he is free and joyful in Jesus' arms. God bless your family. Much love to you all! There are no words to describe the loss of a child...
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Suzy Snow
November 20, 2013
I just found out today about Alex. I wish I knew my cousin better and really enjoyed reading the stories about his life. I know he is having fun in heaven! We love your family.
Linda Maya
November 19, 2013
I just found about alex. I have such fond memories of him. You are all in my heart and in my prayers. Lots of Love
Bob Vinson
October 30, 2013
My condolences to the Wolny family. What a marvelous young man Alex was, and what an impression he made on me while he was in my class. His laugh could brighten the darkest day, and his enthusiasm was infectious. I will miss him tremendously, but memories of Alex will always enrich my life.
Marc Guastavino
October 21, 2013
To my student and friend....I have to thank you for teaching me more than I can ever have hoped to teach you. You have been a inspiration to me as an educator that transcends boundaries. Because of you I have a deeper understanding of "Don't judge a book by the cover"....Thank you,
Mr. Guastavino
Anthony Cox
October 17, 2013
To my friend Alex,
You will forever be in my heart and in my prayers. It was a blast being friends with you and laughing with you. We had some awesome times at Patterson Elementary with Mrs B Mrs Maya & Kyle. All the turkey trots and ALL the parties. Playing Challenger Baseball and All the other things we did together. Growing up together was was incredibly fun. High School was a blast. I will see you again someday my friend.
Judy Stan
October 17, 2013
Our love and friendship to the whole Wolny family. The years we spent together in Challenger Baseball were filled with love and fun. We will always remember dear Alex as the special young man he was. Our deepest sympathy. God Bless you all and give you the strength to get through this most difficult time.
Patricia Denoncourt
October 17, 2013
God bless you Alex. Your life in words has moved me beyond measure. I can't wait to someday meet you in that "better place", and have the first of many dances with you. You will be forever in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda Bowman
October 17, 2013
I miss you "Big Al" and all the wonderful laughs we had together. My love to your "wooly-knees" family who made your life such a joy and kept you perfect in your own special way. Mrs. "B"
Kendra Coffey
October 17, 2013
My buddy Alex. I had the opportunity to be blessed cause I new you. You were an amazing kid who loved life and loved to joke around. I still have pictures with you laying on the blanket side by side together at the end of the year picnic at a los corritos park. I will forever cherish that picture. Well good bye for now my friend but we will see you again whole and healed. Love you. Kendra Coffey (para at American)
kirt moret
October 14, 2013
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family, I am sure Alex knows this.
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