PAUL "LEFTY" WENNIK

WENNIK, Paul "Lefty" A diminutive, blue-eyed, left-handed pitcher who drove big cars and had a big heart, died peacefully, on November 26, at home in Swampscott, at age 87. Wennik was born May 14, 1937 in Providence, Rl, to Harold Wennik and Ferdinand Massicotte Wennik. A fierce and loyal catholic, dedicated father and all around life force, Lefty was known as a generous and fun-loving man who valued community, generosity, education and helping those in need. In Paul's numerous roles as coach, mentor, role model, athletic and academic champion, cheerleader and fundraiser, he was recognized for his dedication and tenacious drive to help others. Wennik was proud of his work with Berklee College of Music, both the baseball and football programs, at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and his role as chairman at Beyond Soccer in Lawrence, MA. The Paul "Lefty" Wennik Outstanding Scholarship was created in honor of his commitment to and passion for youth sports in Lawrence and surrounding regions. Wennik was raised in Andover, MA, went to Lawrence Academy and attended the University of Massachusetts majoring in history. While at UMass, Wennik was a proud member of Kappa Sig fraternity, enjoyed spending time at the Newman Center and made his name as a spirited left-handed pitcher setting many records for UMass Baseball. He was inducted into the UMass Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007. Upon graduation, Wennik was recruited and played briefly for the Washington Senators. He continued to play and was recognized as the oldest paid Boston Park League pitcher for the Mass Envelope and also played in Cape Cod leagues. Wennik's outsized personality and passion for baseball led to lasting friendships with Ted Williams and Carl Yastrzemski and a penchant for telling stories of his many baseball adventures. After graduating from UMass, Paul tried his hand at many jobs including bouncer, oil salesman and singer before securing a job at PolyGram Records, where he had a storied career for over 40 years promoting many well-known artists such as Bon Jovi, Donna Summer, Pavarotti, John Mellencamp, Shania Twain, Tin Machine, Mariah Carey, U2 and Billy Ray Cyrus, among others. Wennik is survived by his three adult children, son, Jesse Wennik and husband, Brian Wilson of San Francisco, CA, daughter, Suzanne Severy and Christopher Celi of Concord, MA and daughter, Jennifer E. Ward and husband, Jonathan Ward of Melrose, MA, Wennik adored his beloved grandchildren, Aidan C. Ward, Hooper J. Ward and Wyatt S. Comeau. Wennik is survived by his sister, Suki McHendry of West Lake Village, CA; his dear sister-in-law, Inga Wennik of Newbury, MA; and nephews, Stefan, Marten and Lukas Wennik; and families; and niece, Robin Studebaker of West Lake Village, CA. Wennik is also survived by his beloved life partner of 21 years, Anna Ginetti-Ricci of Salem, MA. A Celebration of Paul's Life will be held in May, 2025. Donations in Paul's honor can be made to Rosie's Place, The Pine Street Inn or Beyond Soccer.

View the online memorial for Paul "Lefty" WENNIK