John E. Poliwczak
1949 – 2023
Agawam
John Edmond Poliwczak, 73, passed away on November 21, 2023 at Baystate Medical Center, surrounded by his loving friends and family. Born in Springfield, MA on November 25, 1949, to the late Charles W. Poliwczak and Gertrude Walence. John grew up in Springfield and attended local schools before joining the US Army where he trained on his lifelong trade. After John was honorably discharged from the US Army he excelled as a master plumber. John’s career spanned over 40 years. He worked for several area companies including Manny’s Plumbing & Heating Company and Kenneth Baru Heating and Plumbing until John ventured out as a self-employed business owner. From 1985 to 2004, John also served as member of the Agawam Fire Department Call Force. He thrived on the challenge to make a difference while helping people on the force and throughout his life. Upon retirement from the workforce, John committed his life to taking care of his beloved wife Carol. There were no limitations when they were together. During their 49 years as husband and wife, they enjoyed camping, snowmobiling, waterskiing, boating, fishing, hunting, cooking, music and many Holland America cruises. As health challenges arose, John devoted himself to Carol and met her every need. There was no obstacle they couldn’t overcome together. As for John’s favorite things…John had a love for food. Many a year he would attend Thanksgiving dinner at more than one household and enjoy a meal at each! He loved to shop, purchasing every new kitchen gadget or cooking vessel that he could find. Costco should have posted his picture as “Shopper of the Year”. Every year. John loved music – the louder the better. He was a regular fixture at MGM and Sonny’s Place, enjoying live entertainment and a night out with friends at every chance. When John found something that exceeded his expectations – whether it was a particular food, a great band or a fabulous travel destination, his famous phrase was that it was “Off the Charts!!” While enjoying all his favorite hobbies his easiest pursuit was one as a social butterfly…outgoing, charismatic, charming, the life and soul of the party. John cherished and celebrated life to the fullest extent every single day. Lucky is his “posse” who knew and loved him. Although John had a vast amount of friends, he and his family would like to recognize his closest buddy, Glenn Bradley, who was there for him morning, noon and night (literally), especially after John’s hospitalization in February and since his transition home. Glenn’s pledge to John allowed John to control his destiny and live how he chose to even though his health was changing adversely. This couldn’t have been done without Glenn. Besides his parents, John was predeceased by his wife and soul mate Carol Ann Geddis, his brother Chipper (Charles Jr.), his sister Charlene Murphy, his Babcia Katazyna, his first cousin once removed Daniel S. Walence and his nephew Jason Kie. To cherish his memory, he leaves his sisters-in-law Jean Kie (Bruce) of League City, TX and Linda Mercier (Steve) of Agawam; nieces and nephews Kenneth Kie (Jennifer), Jeffrey Kie (Diana), Kristin Colburn (Christopher), Angela Paxson-Mercier (Erica) and Mariclaire Smith (George); his great nieces and great nephews Mikaela Kie, Aubrey Colburn, Amanda and Kevin Paxson, and Warren Smith (Caitlin) and Dalton Smith; his cousin Stephen Walence (Tracy); his first cousins once removed Kayleigh Dones (Jose) and Nick Walence (Shivonne). Family and friends are welcome to commemorate John’s life from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Colonial Forastiere Funeral and Cremation, 985 Main Street, Agawam on Thursday, November 30, 2023. John’s funeral service will take place on Friday, December 1, 2023 beginning at 10:00 am at Colonial Forastiere Funeral Home, 985 Main Street, Agawam with burial to follow for John & Carol at St. Michael’s cemetery in Springfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John’s memory may be made to Tunnel to Towers at T2T.org online or by mail: 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, New York 10306. Please be sure to include the memoriam and dedication information with your donation. For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.forastiere.com.
Published by The Republican from Nov. 24 to Nov. 26, 2023.