Dr. Valdemar Welz

Dr. Valdemar Welz, born “Waldemar Szapiel” on November 11th, 1951 passed unexpectedly surrounded by family on December 6th, 2021.

Deeply beloved husband of 48 years to the late Elzbieta (Ella) Welz. Devoted father of Veronika (Nika), Maximilian (Max), and Antonina (Tosia) Welz. Loving dog owner of Lyla and Luna. Dear brother to the late Roman Szapiel. Cherished friend, mentor and cousin-in-law to Kamila Kazmierczak, and her husband Marcin. Deeply loved cousin of Lila Lizotte, her husband James and their children Matthew and Emma and Thomas Nowicki, his partner Cindy and his daughter Jillian. The son of the deceased Janina (Nowicki) and Mieczyslaw Szapiel. Valdemar is also survived by many friends and other family members, including two of his dearest friends whom he considered brothers, Phil Plageman and Edward Casey.

Valdemar was born in Gdansk, Poland in 1951 and immigrated from Poland to Boston with his family in 1959. After graduating from Boston Latin School in 1970, he went on to receive his undergraduate degree cum laude from Boston University in 1974 and his D.M.D from Boston University Goldman School of Dentistry in 1978. He opened a solo practice in the Boston Back Bay in 1979 and maintained the practice until his passing. For some years he had the opportunity to practice with his late brother, Roman.

From 1978 to 1992, he was a clinical instructor, assistant professor and course director of pre-clinical fixed prosthetics and dental anatomy courses at BU Goldman School of Graduate Dentistry. Valdemar was a mentor to many and welcomed anyone and everyone to his office. Thus, Valdemar built many close relationships with students and peers even after he stopped teaching. Professionally, he lectured at various professional venues, including the Yankee Dental Congress and local dental study groups. He was admired and revered in the local and nationwide dental communities. Valdemar travelled around the country learning the latest innovations and techniques in dentistry. He was extremely dedicated and devoted to his work and patients. He spent every day doing what he loved. He built his practice on truth and excellence and he will be deeply missed by colleagues, staff and patients.

Valdemar’s service to his faith, family, and friends was quickly noticed. He was an extremely devout Catholic and a parishioner at St. Agatha’s and St. Elizabeth’s churches in Milton and St. Clement’s, St. Anthony’s and St. Gregory’s churches in Boston. Valdemar attended daily mass for the past 20 years. His faith was unshakeable and unquestionable. His impact on the communities he touched will forever be in their hearts. He will be sorely missed by many priests, brothers and sisters.

An avid reader, amateur guitarist, and hobby gardener, Valdemar found great peace in doing the things he loved. He had a zeal and passion for life and exploration. He never stopped learning and was enthralled by many topics such as nutrition, literature, philosophy and theology. He was regarded as gentle and tender; Valdemar considered every creature, big or small, to be a great gift. Benevolence and charity came easily to Valdemar. His kindness and generosity made an impact on many lives.

Valdemar’s devotion to his family was rare and incomparable. He cherished time spent with his children and wife. Valdemar and his wife, Ella adopted their three children from Russia and he was overjoyed about becoming a father. While so many remarked that his children were lucky to have been adopted by Valdemar, it was Valdemar who felt that he was the luckiest and most blessed person to become a father to Veronika, Maximilian and Antonina. He supported them, loved them and reminded them daily that he would continue to do so in eternal life. For the past several years, Veronika and Antonina worked in Valdemar’s office and he was euphoric at the opportunity to blend family and work. His children will miss him dearly.

The family ask that questions surrounding his passing remain respectful and be withheld in this extremely painful and trying time in their lives.

A witty and caring man, Valdemar will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, patients and communities. Visiting hours at the Alfred D. Thomas Funeral Home 326 Granite Ave Milton Monday, December 13th from 4-8 pm.  All are invited to attend a Funeral mass at St. Elizabeth’s church in Milton on Tuesday morning December 14th at 10:00 am.  Burial following the Mass in Milton Cemetery. 
“If you wish, you may donate to the family here:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/funeral-expenses-for-the-welz-family

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Valdemar Welz, please visit our floral store.