Thomas J. Wojnar was described by friends as outgoing and well-liked. The 28-year-old was an involved member of Local 98 of the electricians’ union and the Pirates Comic Club.
But his main priority was being a devoted husband and father to his three children: stepdaughter Kirsten, a high-school freshman; 4-year-old Thomas and 1-month-old Christian.
Wojnar, of the 200 block of Tree Street, celebrated his one-year anniversary with his wife, the former Kristin Sunderhauf, on Sept. 28.
The next morning, the beloved friend and family man was killed in a car accident at Fourth Street and Washington Avenue.
Police originally stated the other driver left the scene after rear-ending Wojnar’s Pontiac, but no arrest has been made in the case.
"The investigation of the accident is still continuing and open," said Sgt. George Golden of the Accident Investigation Division. The District Attorney’s Office is also reviewing the details of the case.
In the interim, Wojnar’s family and friends have been dealing with their shock and searching for ways to help the victim’s wife and kids.
They decided to create the Thomas J. Wojnar Memorial Fund with the long-term goal of helping other families affected by similar tragedies.
Wojnar’s longtime friend, Chuck McQuilkin, said many have rallied to help the widow and her children.
"We live in a great neighborhood that when a tragedy like this happens, even if you don’t know the person, everyone pulls together," he said.
The memorial fund is sponsoring its first benefit in honor of Wojnar on Sunday. The event at Viking Hall, Swanson and Ritner streets, will feature local entertainment and the auctioning of raffles.
Quaker City String Band, of which Wojnar’s father was a member, and Fralinger String Band will perform at the benefit. The bands Touch� and Hapaglloyd also will lend their talents for the cause.
Family and friends have worked tirelessly to raise donations and prizes for auction. Raffle prizes range from a home-cooked specialty meal for six or a barbecue for 30 served by Tom Harkins, Circa’s award-winning chef and a member of the Pirates Club, to a trip to Key West.
The 76ers’ general manager, Billy King, has donated two tickets for a Sixers home game and the chance for the winner’s child to appear as a ball boy or girl. Other imaginative prizes include a jersey autographed by Allen Iverson and Tracy McGrady, daycare vouchers and the chance to wear a Pirates Mummers suit during the New Year’s Day Parade. The winner of the Mummers appearance also will attend the New Year’s celebration thrown by the Pirates Club.
"We want to raise as much money as we can. We want this to be a happy thing and a chance to help Thomas’ family out," said McQuilkin.
A $25 donation is appreciated to attend the event, which also will include food and beverages. In addition to the tickets, the fund is seeking other donations, financial or otherwise, to help the Wojnar family.
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For more information, call the Pirates Club at 267-235-0928 or 215-370-2407.
