Paul Richard David Wennik

Swampscott - Paul "Lefty" Wennik, a diminutive, blue eyed left-handed pitcher who drove big cars and had a big heart died peacefully on November 26th at home in Swampscott at age 87.

Wennik didn't have time for Myelofibrosis, a rare blood cancer, so he muscled his way through experimental medications and transfusions for almost 5 years in order to keep moving and shaking all over Massachusetts.

Wennik was born May 14, 1937 in Providence, Rl to Harold Wennik and Ferdinand Massicotte Wennik.

A fierce and loyal catholic, dedicated father and a firm kick in the pants, Lefty was known as a generous and fun loving man who valued community, generosity and helping those in need. In his 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, 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 on the '5 year plan' 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 finally sticking the landing at PolyGram Records where he had a storied career for over 50 years promoting several bands such as Bon Jovi, Donna Summer, John Cougar Mellencamp, Tin Machine, Mariah Cary, U2, Bananarama, and Billy Rae 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 partner Christoper 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 Severy Comeau, and always championed their interests.

Wennik is also survived by his sister Suki McHendry of West Lake Village, CA; his dear sister-in-law Inga Wennik of Newbury, MA and nephews Stefan, Martin, and Lukas Wennik and families; niece Robin Studebaker and family of Thousand Oaks, CA, and 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, and Beyond Soccer.