SOUTH HADLEY – John P. “Buzzy” Skaza, Jr., 72, of South Hadley, was Called Safely Home on Tuesday, August 15, 2023. He passed into Eternal Life at Heritage Hall South in Agawam surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family. He was born in Ware on October 11, 1950, a beloved son of the late John P. and Elaine E. (O’Brien) Skaza. He was raised in Ware, graduated from Holyoke Trade High School and had moved to South Hadley in 2005. He served his country in the United States Navy Seabees during the Vietnam War and attained the rank of Construction Mechanic Third Class. He received the National Defense Service Medal. He was employed as a mechanic at Gene’s Ford and Chevy and previously worked at Reardon’s Garage, both in Holyoke. He was a member of the Tiger’s Athletic Club in Chicopee, the Granby American Legion Post 266 and the Fairview American Legion Post 438 in Chicopee where he also served on the Board of Directors for many years. An avid Nascar fan, he had worked as a pit crew chief for various stockcar drivers at the Riverside and Stafford Motor Speedways. During his leisure time, he enjoyed cheering on the New England Patriots. Above all, he loved spending time with his family and his friends. He leaves his beloved wife and best friend, Karin J. Nelson; his two loving children, John P. Skaza III and his wife, Kristina, and Lisa Ann Skaza and her partner, Anthony Hough, all of Chicopee; his loving step son, David E.A. Stokley and his wife, Richelle, of Springfield: his four cherished grandchildren, Matthew Skaza, Shayna Hough, Anthony Hough, Jr. and Arian Hough; his three cherished step grandchildren, Jack Stokley, Nora Stokley and Dane Stokley; his two dear sisters, Linda Miskiewicz of Warren and Lorraine “Laurie” Jamilowski of North Brookfield; his two dear sisters in law, Kristin Tedford of Lubbock, TX and Kathleen Young and her husband, John, of Lexington, KY; and his many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family members and friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his dear sister, Joan Koziol. His relatives and friends are invited to attend a Committal Service with United States Navy Military Honors on Friday, September 8, 2023 at 2 p.m. in the Chapel at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam, MA 01001. There are no visiting hours. His funeral arrangements are entrusted to the St. Pierre-Phaneuf Fairview Chapels, (413-533-3307), 506 Britton Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. His family will host a Celebration of Life Service on Sunday, September 17, 2023 from 12 Noon to 4 p.m. at the American Legion Post 452, 43 Exchange Street, Chicopee, MA 01013. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that memorial donations be made in his memory to the Friends of the Soldiers’ Home, Inc., PO Box 1338, Holyoke, MA 01041. For more details and to leave his family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com