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WADE STEVENS RICKS

FUNERAL HOME

Joyce Funeral Home - Waltham

245 Main Street

Waltham, Massachusetts

WADE RICKS Obituary

Name: Service for WADE STEVENS RICKS
Start: 2021-10-29T15:00:00.000Z
End: 2021-10-29T18:00:00.000Z
Location: The Stockyard Restaurant

RICKS, Wade Stevens Waltham Lawyer, Prominent Newspaper and Television Journalist Wade Stevens Ricks, a Waltham lawyer and prominent newspaper and television journalist in the 1980s and 1990s died Wednesday at his home. He was 67. A Waltham resident since 1999, he worked for the Worcester Telegram as he pursued his long-time interest in law, earning his J.D. from Massachusetts School of Law in 2005. He served as a solo-practice attorney in Waltham ever since. A 1976 graduate of University of Georgia Henry W. Grady College of Journalism and Communication, Ricks worked at newspapers in Anderson, SC, Jackson, MS, Kansas City, MO, Cleveland, OH and Atlanta. He won numerous reporting accolades, including a 1981 George Polk Award for Regional Reporting. Starting in 1991, he served as an assignment editor and later field producer for CNN in its Southeast Bureau. He was part of the Emmy-award-winning coverage of the 1996 Olympic Park Bombing. Wade Stevens Ricks is survived by his wife of 33 years, Janet Kolodzy of Waltham; his sister, Ruth Hanna of Stone Mountain, GA, his nephew and his wife Kurt and Kari Hanna of Austin, TX; his sister-in-law and husband, Ruth and Joe Steinbrunner of Gilbert, AZ; his brother-in-law and wife, Carl and Terry Kolodzy of Lilburn, GA; and his brother-in-law and wife, Paul and Martha Kolodzy of Falls Church, VA. Family and friends will gather to honor, remember and celebrate Wade's life on Friday, Oct. 29, 2021 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. in The Wine Room at The Stockyard Restaurant, 135 Market Street, Brighton, MA 02135. Donations in his name can be made to The Red and Black Scholarship Fund https://givebutter.com/red-and-black-wade-ricks-fund Arrangements by The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street, WALTHAM, www.joycefuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from Oct. 25 to Oct. 26, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for WADE RICKS

19 Entries

Ken Ormes and Colleen Doherty Ormes

November 4, 2021

Can't tell you how hard it is to lose my friend, respected colleague, partner in crime, fellow blues fan and office watercooler buddy Wade Ricks.
Rick struck up conversation with me some fifteen or so years ago when we were law school classmates; when my first officeway outside Bostonwasn't working out, he suggested we share some professional space he had found in Waltham, and I've been grateful and glad ever since that I took him up on it.
Rick always had time to talk over a pressing issue of legal strategy or mental health, but of course he contained multitudes.
He never tired of talking about blues and his trips to the annual REAL old-time blues festivals in Clarksdale. Good food made him happy, and so did good conversations. He sort of glowed with genuine interest in people and what made them tick. He was happy laying out the advantages and disadvantages of every sort of electric guitar, a few of the acoustics, and some of the basses and drum equipment as well. He relished telling stories about his reporting days nearly as much as I enjoyed hearing them.
He had a slyand not necessarily elegantsense of humor but was never mean. Many will testify to his generosity toward others; I'll remember best that he never let his compassion and vigorous advocacy for his clients interfere with--good naturedly!--seeing the humor in a situation.
I will miss this man more than I can say.

Val Anderson

November 4, 2021

I was so very sad to learn of Wade's passing. We worked together on many cases over the past 4 years and he was a great lawyer and even better human. I will miss his stories, his guidance, and his laughter.

WFM III

October 29, 2021

So very sorry to hear this news. A very good attorney who exuded compassion and care for his clients, most of whom are unable to advocate for themselves. The Mental health Bar and the Court system are lessened by his passing. My sincere condolences to his family.

Manny paraschos

October 28, 2021

I will always remember Rick as one helpful guy with a great sense of humor. He always asked the oddest, but important, questions. He was a great story teller and a lot of fun to be with. We'll miss him. Janet, we are thinking of you and, as my people say, "May his memory be eternal."

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Diane Mermigas

October 28, 2021

David and I fondly remember a summer day spent on our deck on the Atlantic with Janet and Rick. Lively conversation, good food and drink, and laughter. In the years since, I have come to appreciate both of their life's work, Rick's loving and supportive relationship with Janet, and the special legacy he leaves. We are deeply sorry for your loss, Janet, and we pray you will be comforted by precious memories and God's care. We are here for you.

Stephen Iandoli

October 28, 2021

Janet,
It's not possible to relate to your loss. We are here for you and your family during this most difficult time. May some semblance of peace return to you...soon.

Marsha Della Giustina

October 27, 2021

Janet,
I am so sorry about Rick and pray that God will hold you in His arms and help you with your grief. May He bless you and all who love Rick. take care, Marsha

Helen Farrell

October 27, 2021

I have greatly enjoyed getting to know Wade over the past years. He was instrumental in inspiring me to expand my career, and I am forever grateful for that. Wade is an amazing advocate for those in need and a brilliant man. I will never forget our enjoyable conversations, and I am so glad to have gotten to know Wade as a friend - he will be tremendously missed.

Eternal Affection Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

Helen Farrell

Sent Flowers

Jerry Lanson

October 25, 2021

I will remember Rick as a kind and caring man, who typically stood on the side of the underdog. He was, in the word's of my people (I come from a German Jewish background) a "mensch," a man of honor and integrity who would go the extra mile for others. All our thoughts are with you Janet.

Peter A Rossetti

October 25, 2021

Wade was a friend from Law School, Mass Law in Andover. We met during our second year and became friends. He was always a great source of support during those years. He will be missed. He went into a different filed of law than I did but we talked over the years and swapped war stories. He was interested in the Station Night Club fire in Rhode Island and we talked about hat many times. Just last week there was a documentary about it on one of the TV shows. I thought of him.
He was a good friend and will be missed, Janet. My sympathy.

Peter

Michael C Boyne

October 25, 2021

I met Wade when we were both just beginning our legal careers. He was a formidable adversary in the Court room, but more than that I considered him a friend. I used to look forward and enjoy our conversations both on the phone and in person. I am going to miss him greatly. My deepest condolences to all that loved him, which I know to be many.

Michael C Boyne

October 25, 2021

Jerry Lanson

October 25, 2021

I come from a Jewish background and among my people, there's a name for guy's like Rick. It is "mensch." He was a man who in his measured, wry way always went above and beyond for others. I didn't know Rick as a reporter but I know he won a Polk award, a sure sign he was a darn good one. I could see him taking all the time he needed to get to know sources and swap stories with him. But I also could see his never backing down, never shying from the hard question, never being intimidated. I got to know Rick best when he represented our daughter in a Probate Court matter. As a lawyer, Rick often stood up for people who other people might shy away from, people with personal troubles and often mental illness. His calm and kindness carried the day. He truly cared about others and worried a lot more about serving them than about billable hours. I'll remember Rick fondly as one of those special people who leave quiet but strongly defined footprints behind, someone we all should think of and emulate when ego gets in our way and we need a better model. Rick was, as I said, a true mensch.

Suzanne Atryzek

October 25, 2021

I am so sad to hear that Wade died. He was one of the best attorneys I have worked with and I will miss working with him very much. Wade was a wise man; we will feel the loss for a long time.

Colleen Bradley-MacArthur

October 25, 2021

Janet we are so sorry for your lost. Tim, Benny and I are sending so much love your way.

Elizabeth Steel

October 25, 2021

I am so sorry to hear of Wade Rick's passing away. Even though we were on different sides of cases, I always enjoyed working with him. Sending sincere condolences to his family..

Tami Dristiliaris

October 24, 2021

I am very shocked to hear of Wade's passing as I just spoke to him a couple of weeks ago. I shared many clients with Wade, who was always represented them with dignity and respect. I will miss working with and especially speaking with him. Sincerest condolences to his family especially his wife. Rest in peace Wade, may your memory be eternal.

Ricky Paul

October 24, 2021

One of my oldest and closest friends since high school in Clarkston, Georgia.

I'm going to miss him greatly.

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