CHICOPEE – Frank J. Zazyczny, 90, of Chicopee, died peacefully on Sunday, May 26, 2024 surrounded by his devoted family. Frank was a generous man with his assets, time, love and talents. Frank was born in Philadelphia, PA to the late John and Mary (Olzewski) Zazyczny. He was raised in the city of Brotherly Love and settled in Chicopee after being stationed at Westover Air Force Base. Frank attended LaSalle College in PA and graduated from Western New England College. He was a United States Air Force veteran, serving during the Korean War from 1951-1955, where he achieved the rank of Airman First Class. Frank had a rewarding 40 year career at Hamilton Standard and retired in 1995. As a Space Systems Department Program Manager, he led many endeavors including satellite propulsion, the Space Suit, and the Space Shuttle. Frank was one of the many proud team members that HS “Shuttled” down to KSC to witness the first launch of the Space Shuttle Columbia.
Frank was very active in community affairs. He was a member of the Polish American String Band, the Philadelphia Mummers Association playing the accordion, Past Commander of the Willimansett American Legion Post 353, the Fairview American Legion Post 438, served as Commissioner and Chairman of the Chicopee Planning Board, and was Treasurer of the Korean War Veterans Association of Western Mass.
Frank was happily married to Pearl S. (Mercier) Zazyczny. When he first laid eyes on Pearl, he said to his fellow airman “I am going to marry that girl.” Adventure was their middle name. They treasured the years they traveled together globetrotting to 28 foreign countries and touching their feet down in 27 American states which included their annual getaway to Ogunquit, Maine. They also developed their sea legs going on eight ocean cruises and two Mississippi River excursions.
Frank was passionate about music including performing with a combo at local Philly clubs, entertaining crowds as a Mummer, running musical and comedy shows at the Legion and listening to many hours of his favorite songs. Frank had a lifelong infatuation with thoroughbred horses. Too big to be a jockey, he turned to handicapping races which he did with much success throughout his lifetime. His phone rang often on big race days with folks looking for his picks.
Frank was a news junkie, reading many papers and watching news shows. He often offered his views of the world writing editorials and blogs.
Frank was a devout Catholic and was very involved in his parish, Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Chicopee for 51 years before its untimely closing. He then joined Saint Anne Church in Chicopee.
Above all, Frank was a family man. He cherished each and every member. He often helped them with his love, wisdom, and wallet if need be. His home was the center for many family gatherings, Sunday dinners, and holiday celebrations. They all looked forward to his Christmas Oplatki and prayer, which always included the military and first responders. For many years, Frank and Pearl hosted a family vacation at Lake Dunmore, VT, which provided many pleasant memories for all. He will be profoundly missed.
He leaves his beloved wife and soul mate, Pearl S. (Mercier) Zazyczny. They were married on June 15, 1956 at the former Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Chicopee and were blessed with over 67 years of happiness together. He also leaves his two loving and devoted children, Donna M. Montemagni and her husband, Kevin, of Chicopee, and John F. Zazyczny and his wife, Victoria, of Nanuet, NY; his five cherished grandchildren, Anthony Montemagni and his wife, Julee, Stephen Montemagni and his wife, Leigh, Alison Montemagni and her partner, Max, Sarah Zazyczny and her partner, Jeff, and Laura Zazyczny; his two cherished great grandchildren, Davison and Lily; his dear sister, MaryAnn Kendall and her husband, Edwin, of Naples, FL; and his many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family members and friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his dear sister, Dorothy Skowronski and her husband, Wallace; his dear brother, Joseph Zazyczny and his wife, Martha; and his dear sister in law, Claire Bradlinski and her husband, Ted.
His Funeral will be held on Thursday, June 6, 2024 beginning at the St. Pierre-Phaneuf Aldenville Chapels, (413-532-9806), 13 Dale Street, Chicopee, MA 01020, (funeral home will open at 8:30 a.m.), followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Saint Anne Church, 30 College Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. His Burial with United States Air Force Military Honors will follow the Mass at Sainte Rose Cemetery, 49 Olsen Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. His family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The parking lot and main entrance of the funeral home are located in the rear at 20 Lafayette Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Frank’s memory to a charity of the donor’s choice. For more details and to leave his family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com