Edward Stanley Walczak

HOLYOKE- Edward S. Walczak "Whitey", 86, passed away on June 24, 2015, surrounded by family in his home in Holyoke. Edward, a son of the late Thomas and Mary (Lysik) Walczak, was born on July 22, 1928 in Ludlow. He worked for Philip Hano Business Forms for many years, and retired from Curtis Business Forms in 1990. In 1949 he married Claire Roy, the love of his life whom he adored for all 66 years of their marriage. Edward loved spending time with his family and cherished holidays spent together. He had a musical talent, and sang with the Melody Boys, and with the Western MA Senior Band. He also shared his talent for music at local nursing homes and at other public functions. Edward, a devoted Christian, was a member of Bethany Assembly of God Church in Agawam, where he also sang in the choir and joined the Prison Ministry group. He is predeceased by his five brothers: Bertram, Walter, Stanley, Edmund, and Kasmir Walczak; and three sisters: Viola Castonguay, Jane Serwatka, and Helen Snow. Edward is survived by his loving wife, Claire Walczak; three sons: Michael, Robert, and Eric Walczak; two daughters: Karen Paton and her husband Alan, and Cheryl Kowalski and her husband Ernest; and four grandchildren: Adam and Emerson Paton and Billy and Mary Walczak. He is also survived by one sister, Irene Castonguay; two brothers-in-law: Norman Snow and Donald Roy and his wife Barbara; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family. Calling hours for Edward will be Wednesday, July 1, 2015 from 4-8 PM in the Messier Funeral Home, 1944 Northampton St, Holyoke. Services will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2015 at 11 AM in Bethany Assembly of God, 580 Main St, Agawam. Burial will be held privately at a later date in Forestdale Cemetery in Holyoke. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Western and Central MA, 1325 Springfield St, Suite 12, Feeding Hills, MA 01030; and to Bethany Church Memorial Fund for Missions, 580 Main St, Agawam, MA 01001. For additional information, please visit www.messierfuneralhome.com .