In his 33 years, Wayne achieved a philosophy in life that was the envy of everyone who knew him. He had a unique skill for anticipating the needs of others and ensuring those needs were met without exception. His generosity knew no bounds, his caring for others, no limits.
Wayne's perspective on life was truly unique. He was one of those rare people who truly believed it is better to give than it is to receive; he lived his life as a testament to this belief. As a husband, a son, an uncle, a brother and a friend, he was always willing to contribute, whatever the cause. He was as giving with his time as he was with his resources. Wayne believed wholeheartedly in the goodness of people.
As a child and teenager, Wayne's purpose in life, to the delight of his countless friends, consisted of discovering new ways to test his mother Janice's patience. Never mean-spirited or unkind, Wayne had a penchant for mischief that was as intuitive to him as it was fearless. With gentle persuasion and unerring patience, and undeterred by the challenge of Wayne, Janice helped shaped him into the generous, dependable, loving and kind man he became.
Never shy of taking risks, Wayne followed his childhood dreams, traveling across the United States, living for a time in Boulder, CLO and San Diego, CA. Wayne's greatest adventure came only upon his return to Connecticut, however, when he met his beautiful bride, Kate Stein.
Wayne and Kate kept the existence of their marriage secret, planning and saving for a fantastic wedding gala that would bear Wayne's imprimatur - another demonstration of the mischievous spirit that was such a defining characteristic for him. The tragic accident that cut short his beautiful life regrettably cut short that plan. He was a beautiful man, and was always guided by his desire to make sure that the lives of his loved ones were lived to the fullest.
Wayne is survived by his wife Kate Stein, by his mother Janice Ricker and his step-father Ken, his father John Lecardo and step-mother Marion, his sister Kim and her husband Ken Carlson, his sister Jackie and her husband Peter Mahoney, his nieces Sara, Allison, Emily and Miranda and his nephews Charlie, Peter and Theo. Wayne is further survived by his many cousins, uncles and aunts and his legion of friends. There is no comprehending this loss. He will always be missed and painfully mourned.
His family will greet relatives and friends at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Historic downtown Mystic on Thursday from 1pm until 2:45pm,at which time all who wish will walk together to adjacent St. Mark’s Episcopal Church for a Funeral Eucharist at 3pm. The Rev. Mark Santucci, Rector, will be celebrant. A reception will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Wayne's memory may be made to the Chariho-Westerly Animal Welfare League, P.O. Box 1237, Westerly, RI 02891 or Make-A-Wish Foundation, 940 White Plains Road, Trumbull, CT 06611.
POST-FUNERAL ANNOUNCEMENT
St. Mark's Episcopal Church was overflowing Thursday afternoon for the Funeral Eucharist for Wayne N. Lecardo.
The Reverence Mark A. Santucci, Rector, officiated. David P. Tubbs served as organist.
The Reading were from Isaiah 61 and First Corinthians, followed by the Gospel of John 10:11.
Musical selections included "Amazing Grace", "Agnus Dei", and following Communion all gathered joined in singing "Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones".
Earlier in the afternoon, Wayne's family greeted over 300 friends at the funeral home where pictures were displayed celebrating Wayne's life.
Following the service, all gathered at the Seahorse Restaurant in Noank where a reception was prepared.
To send Wayne's family a message of remembrance/condolence to help celebrate his life, please click the link below.