Park dockmaster sails away from GN

Anthony Oreilly

The ship has sailed on Richar Wolert’s career at the Great Neck Park District. 

The former dockmaster retired in September after working at the Steppingstone Park marina for 37 years. 

Wolert said he had to retire because of surgery he recently had done on his knees. 

“I was in a lot of pain three years ago,” Wolert said in an interview. “I knew in September I couldn’t go anymore so I had to do what was right.” 

The Great Neck Park District commissioners honored Wolert, now a resident of Glen Cove, for his service last week at its regular business meeting. The commissioners presented Woelert with a tackle box – a bag used to store and carry fishing equipment. 

“The dock was always in great hands when Ritchie was there,” park Superintendent Peter Rennick said. “He knew how to keep the whole place running when everything was falling apart.” 

As dockmaster, Wolert was in charge of making sure the marina was properly maintained and boats docked in the marina were taken care of by their owners. 

“There was always something to do,” he said.

But Wolert doesn’t credit his success at the marina to himself. He said he always had the support of his staff to make sure everything got done. 

“The crew I had was great,” Wolert said. “They always made me look good.” 

All of those jobs, Wolert said, consisted of him walking up and down the docks, which eventually started to affect his knees. 

“I should have retired years ago,” he said. 

Wolert worked as a foreman for the Village of Great Neck prior to accepting the job as park district dock master, he said.  

When asked what he plans to do with his retirement, Wolert said, “retire.” 

“I’m going to go fishing a lot,” he added. “I also have two daughters who keep me plenty busy.”

Wolert said he also plans on renovating a “fixer upper” house he bought in Glen Cove.

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