Rich Wojcikowski, the manager of Bookie's bookstore in Chicago, Ill., died suddenly September 5, ABC7 reported. He was 57. His colleagues said he played a vital role in the store's success for nearly a decade. Owner Keith Lewis described Wojcikowski as the backbone of the West Beverly bookstore, noting that his influence extended far beyond the shop's walls: "It's going to be nearly impossible to go on without him."
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| Rich Wojcikowski | |
Bookie's, which closed for Labor Day weekend, posted on social media: "It is with profound sadness to share that this past Friday, our Manager, Rich, the backbone of our store, was in a fatal automobile accident. The Bookie's family is together in grief with Rich's wife and children. We are all in a state of shock. Rich did the work of ten people and it is difficult to figure out our after. Memorials are being planned for a later date. A longer and more fitting tribute from us will be forthcoming. In the meantime, you are welcome to come to the store and sign a memory book that will be given to his family. Please be patient with us as we navigate this terrible tragedy."
Lewis told ABC7 that Wojcikowski's work touched nearly every aspect of the business. He helped build storage and other fixtures in the bookstore and managed day-to-day operations, adding, "He built things in the backroom. He built storage. He was the manager of the employees. He was the manager of the store. He was the manager of everything. Every aspect he had handled."
Wojcikowski also represented the bookstore throughout the community, attending school book fairs, delivering checks, and hand-delivering books to customers. "The schools are going to miss him. The community is going to miss him. The vendors are going to miss him. The people that he dealt with at the bank are going to miss him," Lewis said.
Cory Overstreet, principal at Kellogg Elementary School in Beverly, told Block Club Chicago that the school has partnered with Bookie's several times over the past five years for school book fairs and pop-ups during school events. "Rich was super collaborative, easy to work with and would help curate a list of books that were culturally relevant and engaging for kids.... Although they may not have known him, the space that he curated for them felt very much fun and engaging. It was a special experience for them." He added: "I think the whole community is in shock. He will be sorely missed in the community."
Describing Wojcikowski as "the yin to my yang," Lewis credited him with helping make the bookstore successful, ABC7 noted. "He was genuine. He was real. He was capable. He was the most professional and most organized person I have ever known.... Going forward I'm going to have to find a way to channel my inner Rich." Lewis also said that he remains grateful for the years they worked together. "I truly wish a Rich on every business that deserves one."
When Bookie's Chicago reopens, a memorial book will be made available for community members to sign or leave notes about Wojcikowski. The book will then be given to his family. On Monday, the bookstore posted: "Thank you to the Bookie's community for all the kind comments and messages. Bookie's will reopen tomorrow, Tuesday, September 8th with adjusted hours. We will be open from 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday 9/13. The memory book for Rich's family will be available to sign during this time. Once again, please be patient with us in our grief. Thank you for your support."