'He Was The Backbone Of Bookies:' Staff In Shock Over Unexpected Loss Of Long-Time Manager

CHICAGO—The long-time manager of Bookies Chicago, Rich Wojcikowski, was killed Friday morning in a crash in Will County. The 57-year-old Park Forest man was considered the backbone of the popular independent Beverly bookstore.

The crash happened Friday morning on Governors Highway. Wojcikowski was pronounced dead at 12:45 p.m. on the highway north of University Parkway in University Park. On Friday, the community bookstore posted a message on its Facebook page stating that the store would be closed Labor Day weekend due to unforeseen circumstances.

>>> 57-Year-Old Killed In Governors Highway Crash: Authorities

“The Bookie’s family is together in grief with Rich’s wife and children. We are all in a state of shock. Memorials are being planned for a later date. A longer and more fitting tribute from us will be forthcoming.”

“What an immense loss for the community this is,” Evergreen Park author Zachary Jeffries said, one of many local authors supported by Bookies. “Not only did Rich go out of his way to help me and other local authors, he worked tirelessly to put books in hands, fostering Bookies into the cornerstone of town it has become. Rich will be remembered for his hard work, his love of books, and the light of his smile and presence. He’s left a large shadow that touches many, many lives.”

Customers are welcome to come into Bookie’s, 10324 S. Western Ave. Chicago, and sign a memory book that will be given to Rich’s family.

“Please be patient with our staff as we navigate this terrible tragedy.

The Bookie’s Family,

Keith, Carrie, Nancy, Rae, Luke and Liam.”