METHUEN - Walter S. Kostrzewa, 91, of Methuen, MA, passed away quietly on Friday, November 29th at Holy Family Hospital.
Mr. Kostrzewa was born in Lawrence, MA on June 10, 1922, the son of Polish immigrants, Michael Kostrzewa and Anna (Kurtyka) Kostrzewa.
He attended Methuen schools and received a certificate in machine shop practices from Lowell Technological Institute in 1954.
As a young man, Mr. Kostrzewa served in the Civilian Conservation Corps and worked in the mills of Lawrence to support his family.
He married the love of his life, Anna Kuzmitski, and they lived for 61 years in the house he built for her in Pleasant Valley. Anna passed away on September 18, 2008.
Mr. Kostrzewa retired from the Western Electric Company after a lengthy career as a pipe fitter, mechanic, and jack of all trades at the plant in North Andover. Mr. Kostrzewa was a parishioner at St. Lucy's Church in Methuen and was active in community organizations, including the North Shore Old Car Club, the Anchor Boat Club, and the Merrimack Valley Pioneers.
His favorite hobby was restoring antique cars and he was an authority on Ford automobiles. His interests included listening and dancing to polka music and following the Boston Red Sox.
Mr. Kostrzewa is survived by 3 sons, Walter Kostrzewa and his wife, Terry of Rockledge, FL, John Kostrzewa and his wife, Carol of Cranston, RI, and Peter Kostrzewa and his wife, Pat of Melbourne, FL; 3 grandchildren, Stephen Kostrzewa of Worcester, MA, Andrew Kostrzewa of Cranston, RI, and Daniel Kostrzewa of Cranston, RI; 2 sisters-in-law, Nina Kuzmitski of Methuen and Mary Kostrzewa of New Jersey; and several nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will honor and celebrate Walter's life by gathering for calling hours at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence Street, Methuen on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 from 3-7 PM. His Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, December 4th at 9 AM at St. Lucy's Church in Methuen. Burial will follow at the Elmwood Cemetery in Methuen.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested, in Walter's honor, memorial contributions be made to St. Lucy's Church, 254 Merrimack Street, Methuen, MA 01844. For directions or to send an online condolence to Walter's family, please visit www.pollardfuneralhome.com. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Kostrzewa family.