Sewickley Township man testifies wife's death at hands of a drunk driver is his nightmare

Rich Cholodofsky, Tribune-Review, Greensburg, Pa.
·2 min read

May 15—James Wardezek had little sympathy for the man police said was responsible for his wife's death and the injuries he suffered that were caused by a drunk driver two years ago in Hempfield.

"I hope this day finds you unwell. The problem is the decision you made for yourself," Wardezek said. "It is not a nightmare for you. It is a consequence of your action. It is nightmare for me and my children."

Wardezek spoke during a sentencing hearing Monday for Ronald Jaffre, the driver of the vehicle that crossed over the center road on Route 136 near Edna Road and struck Wardezek's car.

Jaffre, 55, of Arona, pleaded guilty in February to charges of vehicular homicide while driving drunk, aggravated assault by vehicle and other related offenses in connection with the April 2, 2021 crash that killed JoAnn Wardezek, 58, of Sewickley Township.

According to court records, Jaffre had a blood alcohol level of 0.14%, nearly twice the limit a motorist in Pennsylvania is considered to be intoxicated, when his 2008 Chevrolet Malibu slammed into the driver's side of the Wardezek vehicle. JoAnn Wardezek was a passenger and died as a result of her injuries. James Wardezek was hospitalized for his injuries.

Police said Jaffre admitted to drinking two beers about four hours before the crash.

"I cannot move on from the loss of my wife. I was in a coma when she died and I didn't get to say goodbye at her funeral. I didn't know she died for weeks. If you want me to feel bad for you I do not," Wardezek said. "Prison is temporary for him. Physical and emotional pain is a life sentence for me."

Westmoreland County Common Pleas Court Judge Meagan Bilik-DeFazio ordered Jaffre, who had no prior criminal records, to serve four to eight years in prison.

"This is something that was avoidable," the judge said.

Jaffre, through tears, apologized for his actions.

"I've had nightmares every night. I hope and pray that someday you and your family can forgive me," Jaffre said.

Rich Cholodofsky is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Rich by email at rcholodofsky@triblive.com or via Twitter .