John E. Wojcik, 82, of Harmony, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully in Providence on April 1, 2026. He was the beloved husband of Elaine H. (Kozlowski) Wojcik, with whom he shared a dedicated and truly incredible marriage since 1977.
Born in Central Falls, a son of the late Edward and Anna (Wilk) Wojcik.
John proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, later he joined State service and was a respected and key administrator for the State of Rhode Island, Division of Professional Regulation before retiring in 2002.
A man who valued education and personal growth, John graduated from St. Raphael Academy in 1961. He continued his studies at the Culinary Institute of America, graduating in 1963. Following that he served as a chef at Watch Hill, where he famously served Jackie Kennedy! He later earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Rhode Island in 1972.
For 47 years, John made his home in Harmony, where he became a familiar and cherished presence in the community (particularly the meat counter at Dave’s). He took great pride in his home (as well as his daughter’s homes) and the life he built there with his family. He was always more than happy to come over and rototill a garden, do a quick plumbing job or cut some crown molding. John was a chef, he loved to cook for all the family parties, holidays, work events and just a regular weekday. Some of his classics were his famous clam chowder and clam cakes for the Fourth of July, Clams Casino on Thanksgiving, and his out-of-this world Chocolate Mousse Cake for Christmas dessert. He loved making all kinds of cookies for his beloved grandchildren. He made more than a few wedding cakes including his own 6ft masterpiece! Music was a huge part of John’s life.
He was the organist at St. Joe’s Church in Central Falls, loved playing the piano and listening to his girls play duets. John was also quite the adventurer, traveling to over 108 countries! Since retiring Elaine and John took cruises around South America (with a quick stop in Antarctica!), Europe which included Spain, Portugal, France and Monaco and Tahiti and Polynesia! But their number one places to visit was always St Maarten and Aruba (Baby Beach was his favorite!). John would only go in the ocean if it was “like bath water.”
John was one of the most generous people you would meet. One of his most beloved gifts was a beautiful piano to Elaine. They loved learning new features of the piano by watching YouTube videos and would both play for hours.
John is survived by his two loving daughters, Stefanie Salini and her husband Chris of North Andover, and Kathryn Amalfitano and her husband Michael of North Smithfield. He also leaves behind his sisters, Christine Chabot and her husband Lee of Glocester, and Diane A. Cassidy of Smithfield, as well as many nieces, nephews and godchildren. He was predeceased by his brother, Bob Wojcik and his brother-in-law Donald Cassidy.
John was a proud and loving grandfather to Luca, Alessia, Elianna, and Asher, who brought him immense joy and happiness.
His funeral will be held on Tuesday April 7th at 9am from the Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home, Route 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am in St. Philip Church, 622 Putnam Pike, Greenville. Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery, Pawtucket. Visitation will be held on Monday April 6th from 4pm to 7pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the RI Blood Center, 405 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908 www.ribc.org or Hope Health Hospice Center, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904 www.hopehealthco.org