George A. Maciolek, age 85, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2020 at Vero Health and Rehab South Hadley, Ma after a short illness. He was born on November 30, 1934, a son of the late Albert George Maciolek and Jean (Kloc) Strycharz. George was a machinist for many years until his retirement. He was a 1952 graduate of Chicopee High School. Predeceased by the love of his life, Shirley (Vielleux) Maciolek, they met at the age of 15, married at 19 and spent over 64 cherished years together. Some of his fondest memories involved cruising in his Chevy convertible with his girl Shirley by his side! He will be forever remembered by his son Richard Maciolek and his wife Holly of Chicopee and his daughter Dawn Fernandes and her husband Bill of Agawam. He leaves a legacy of love to his grandchildren Michael Maciolek and his fiancé Lyndsey Santanello of Chicopee, Mark Maciolek and his wife Amanda (Lemieux) of Ludlow and Brittany Charron and her husband Derek of Ludlow. He also leaves 5 great grandchildren that he adored; Zachary Nichols, Charlotte Maciolek, Adelynn Maciolek, Jillian Charron and Emma Charron. George grew up on Blake St in Chicopee Falls in a long-forgotten neighborhood known as “Chinatown”. The escapades of those days; running through the blocks, playing ball in the vacant lots and fishing down by the river were the basis of so many engaging stories that he told of a youth now faded by time. For over 25 years, he and Shirley hosted a Chinatown reunion for all the old friends, neighbors and anyone else who paid the ticket price of a steaming potluck dish or an amazing, delicious dessert to attend! Fond memories were endlessly shared and the parties grew in size each year as word of mouth spread. Now he will be welcomed by his loving wife and “Chinatown” crew to a grand after-life reunion party! To say George was passionate about sports was an understatement! He lived and breathed all sport, especially baseball and softball. He was a long-time coach and mentor to many young men from youth to American Legion ball for multiple Chicopee organizations. George was teacher. He strongly believed in instilling the fundamental principles of not only baseball but sportsmanship to his players. George was so proud of the many future accomplishments of his young team members but remained humble about the role he played in their development. As far as Slo Pitch softball, George was one of the areas local legends. He played ball from 1951 to 2009, till a hip replacement necessitated the ending of his career. George never missed a game! He played injured with dislocated shoulders, torn biceps, broken fingers and many other injuries! He was known as the “Ironman”. This man was highly respected for his skill and tenacity from teammates of the ‘Over 65 Relics” to the younger generations of players that came up the ranks behind him. George won many awards for his pitching and ball handling abilities. Always the coach, George in later years could be found cheering from the sidelines for his grandchildren and great grandchildren at multiple sorting events. He even showed up at track meets with his own stop watch! George always had a sparkle in his eye and a story to tell! We will miss him terribly but know that he is at peace with his Shirley somewhere at a Yankees and Red Sox game with Ted Williams in the outfield! Family and friends are invited to gather Friday August 7, 2020 from 4 to 7 pm at Grise Funeral Home, 280 Springfield St, Chicopee. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 8, 2020 from 8:45- 9:45 am at the Grise Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St Stanislaus Basilica at 10:00 am. Burial will take place at St Stanislaus Cemetery in Chicopee. Please consider memorial contributions to the Chicopee River Mills Senior Center 5 W Main St Chicopee. It stands in the area of the old neighborhood that was once George’s home known as “Chinatown.”