Manchester’s Ray Wieczorek: Mentor, Fighter, Serving with a Smile

Former Manchester Mayor Ray Wieczorek has passed away at the age of 93.

The state Republican Party made the announcement Wednesday morning on its social media triggering reactions from both sides of the political aisle. Wieczorek was mayor of Manchester from 1990 until 2000. He then went on to serve as a member of the Executive Council from 2002 until 2012.

"Ray was a tireless fighter for the City of Manchester and the State of New Hampshire and his legacy will be felt for many years to come. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Wieczorek family on this sad day," the party said.

The party did not disclose a cause of death.

Gov. Chris Sununu said that Wieczorek served the public with a smile.

"As Mayor of Manchester and as an Executive Councilor, Ray took the time to listen and connect with his constituents one on one. He leaves behind a legacy that will inspire many for decades to come. But most importantly, Ray was my friend. Always there and never wavering," the governor wrote.

"Condolences to the family of former Manchester Republican mayor Ray Wieczorek on his passing," New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Ray Buckley said on his Twitter account.

"Ray always had the biggest smile and an eagerness to work together to address New Hampshire’s challenges. He was truly one of the Granite State’s finest citizens and he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Wieczorek family," state Senate President Chuck Morse said in a statement.

Former Republican First Congressional candidate Karoline Leavitt visited him just three days ago.

"I am shocked and saddened by this news. We were planning to have coffee in his living room next week like we've done many times. He really was an amazing person and encouraged me from the beginning of my campaign when not many people did," Leavitt told Seacoast Current. "We kept in constant communication. He was a mentor and became a friend."

Among Wieczorek achievements as mayor was the development of the Amoskeag Millyard and the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport as a viable alternative to Boston's Logan International Airport.

The access road to the Manchester–Boston Regional Airport, Raymond Wieczorek Drive, is named after him.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNH