Dr. Richard J. Worel's Obituary
Dr. Richard J. Worel passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on September 7th 2020. “Rick” or “Doc” as he was known to those close to him was born in Chicago on May 20th 1953. He graduated from Loyola University and went on to study medicine and achieve his residency at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. In 1984, Rick moved his family to Muskegon, Michigan to start his own surgical practice. Here he served patients and forged friendships all along the West Michigan Lakeshore for 25 years. Rick retired from surgery in 2009 but remained in the service of the community until the end providing his humor, his ear and his expertise as a Home Health Care Worker and ultimately as resident physician for the Michigan Department of Corrections in Muskegon.
Rick is survived by his best friend and wife of 18 years Anne, his children: Zachary, Jordan, Elliot(Brandy), and Logan Worel, his step children: Adam, Sean and Alec Fontichiaro, his grandchildren: Vyolet, Tyson, Corbin, Blair, Mya, Hazel, Ayden, Lucas, Kieran and Mila, his mother, Sylvia, his in laws, Robert and Sue Joyce and his sister, Barbara. It may go without saying that Rick identified first as a Surgeon. A Doctor of Medicine. But to those who knew him well, he was so much more. Fiercely loyal, he was always there to lend a helping hand to those he cared about. And he cared for many. Rick was a lover of the outdoors. He was a hunter. A woodworker. A passionate gardener and a scholar. He was a pyrotechnics aficionado. An imbiber of fine crafted Canadian lager. A connoisseur of Irish whiskey. A dirty joke teller. A lover of animals. A food preservationist and a welcoming and gracious host. A comedian even when he only amused himself, he was as compassionate a soul as you could ever meet. He was a student always. His natural curiosity and tireless work ethic kept him on an endless journey of projects and discoveries. Rick could be gruff. He would tell you like it was and was unapologetic in doing so. Rick was real and, as a result, touched the hearts of so many. But most of all, it was HIS heart. Damn near too big for his small frame. Beneath the layers that defined him, it was his heart. He gave his heart to those of us that were lucky enough to be a part of his life. We love you Rick and you will remain in our hearts forever. May we follow your example on how to live a life well lived. May we be inspired by your wonder as we carry you with us though the rest of our days. A private family service will be held at a date yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to [Spectrum Hospice](https://www.spectrumhealth.org/patient-care/hospice) or the [Osteopathic Foundation of West Michigan](https://osteopathicfoundation.org/donate/). Please sign the family’s online guestbook at [http://www.sytsemafh.com](http://www.sytsemafh.com).
What’s your fondest memory of Richard?
What’s a lesson you learned from Richard?
Share a story where Richard's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Richard you’ll never forget.
How did Richard make you smile?