Edwin H. Chadwick, 98, of Worcester, MA, died at home on January 12, 2023.
Born on September 15, 1924, in Worcester, he was the son of the late Stanley and Mary H. (Plotczyk) Chapowicki. He grew up on Winter Hill and attended Nelson Place Elementary School and Commerce High School. He received his religious formation and sacraments at Our Lady of Czestochowa Church.
Edwin enlisted in the U.S. Army in November 1942 during his senior year at Commerce High School. His 16th Calvary Regiment crossed the North Atlantic on the Queen Elizabeth passenger liner (a troop ship in WWII) in December 1944. His cavalry unit was incorporated into Patton’s 3rd Army in WWII during the final 6 months of the war in Europe. He participated in the Rhineland-Central Europe Campaign and crossed Germany’s Rhine River over the U.S. Army’s “Sunday Punch” pontoon bridge in March, 1945. Following hostilities, he participated in the occupation of Cologne, Germany and also studied at the City University of Paris. After the war he attended Worcester Junior College and then transferred to Duquesne University in Pittsburg where he graduated in 1950. Initially he worked in Worcester for the American Steel and Wire Company in a procurement role and subsequently was employed by the Defense Logistics Agency (U.S. Department of Defense) in Boston for over 30 years as a contracting officer.
He is survived by his wife, Helen R. Chadwick, and their four children, sons Robert M. Chadwick (wife Alejandra A.) of Centreville, VA; Philip C. Chadwick of Norfolk, MA; Jeffrey E. Chadwick of Worcester; and daughter Beth A. Reid of Benicia, CA, and four grandchildren, Benjamin T. Chadwick, William R. Chadwick, Chelsea H. Reid and Samantha P. Reid. Also surviving are his sister, Genevieve T. Giuffrida and brother, Robert J. Chadwick. Edwin is predeceased by siblings Elizabeth A. Shedlick, Alice M. Chapowicki, Lottie A. Dolan, Rita R. Merthan, Irene R. Paradis, and Stanley E. Chadwick.
In his youth he enjoyed the outdoors. He worked part-time as a horse-riding instructor in north Worcester. He loved the area countryside and its lakes, ponds and streams. An active gardener his entire life, he loved growing tomatoes, cucumbers and flowers. A member of Worcester’s Polish community, he was a lifetime member of the Polish Naturalization Independence Club and enjoyed Polish picnics and dances. He was an avid sports fan and held seasons tickets to the New England Patriots for many years. He loved the ocean and frequented his summer place on Cape Cod. He enjoyed antiques and estate sales. He also served on the Board of Trustees of the 16th Calvary Association and enjoyed attending many of its reunions with his family and fellow WWII veterans.
SERVICES NOW SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 25, 2023
The funeral will be held with a Wednesday, January 25, 2023, from HENRY – DIRSA FUNERAL HOME, 33 Ward St. with a Mass at 12:00 PM in Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, 34 Ward St. Private burial will be held in Massachusetts National Cemetery at Bourne. Calling hours in the funeral home are Wednesday, January 25, 2023 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Duquesne University Revolving Veteran Student Reserve Fund and should be mailed to: Duquesne University Advancement Services, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburg, PA 15282 (Tel: 412-396-5063).