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Thaddeus Verchinski of Albuquerque, New Mexico and formerly of Enfield, CT died on Friday, January 4, 2002. He was 44 years old. He was born in Hartford, CT and resided both in East Hartford and in Enfield, CT before coming to Albuquerque five years ago. He is survived by his parents, Genevieve and Paul Verchinski of Albuquerque; three brothers, Paul Verchinski of Columbia, MD, Stephen Verchinski of Albuquerque, and Thomas Verchinski of Southington, CT. He is also survived by his Godfather and uncle, Adam Verchinski of Wayne, NJ; and his three nephews and two nieces, Peter, Jason, David, Kara and Beth Ann. Thad was a courageous and caring person throughout his life. And life was always a challenge to him. Obstacles were treated as minor annoyances meant to be overcome. As a young man he was a cross-country skier, skater and enjoyed backpacking and sailing. A Boy Scout with the rank of Eagle Scout he rose further with Silver Palm award and became a Vigil Member of The Order of the Arrow. He challenged himself as a lifeguard, competitive bicycle racer and rock climber. A rock climbing accident left him paralyzed at 19. This disability left him undeterred. He became one of the first persons to graduate from Outward Bound for wheelchair participants. He continued for five years as assistant scoutmaster for Troop 108 in Enfield, CT. Unstoppable, he graduated from the University of Hartford and worked as an auditor with the Defense Contract Audit Agency until a job site accident left him further paralyzed. He was an advocate for the handicapped and worked on numerous issues that would benefit the quality of life for the disabled. He worked to improve the opportunities for mobility and access, better health care, and greater respect for individuals with physical impairments. He was determined to maintain an independent life style. He refused to let his disability rule his life. Rather, he became a model and inspiration for those individuals whose lives were altered later in life as a result of accidents or impairments and who felt they could no longer be contributing members of society. "It can't be done" or "I can't do it" were not in his vocabulary. Challenges in his life were turned into successes and for this he will always be remembered. Visitation with the family will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday, January 11, 2002, in the foyer of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, 811 Guaymas Pl. NE (SE of Lomas and Pennsylvania), Albuquerque. His Funeral Mass will be held immediately after at 10:00 a.m. with graveside services following at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memory tribute in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis (www.miamiproject.miami.edu) 1-800-STAND-UP, or by Memorial Mass.
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