Zygmund J. Cwalinski, 96

ADAMS, Mass. —  

Holding the hand of Loretta, the love of his life, Ziggy took his final breaths at home and entered the kingdom of God on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at "his" young age of 96.

He was born Zygmund J. Cwalinski in Adams on October 8, 1927, a son of the late Alexander and Kamilia (Demby) Cwalinski. He attended schools in Adams, including St. Stanislaus Elementary and graduated from the former Adams High School.

was a proud veteran of World War II, having served with the United States Army during the US occupation in Japan until receiving his honorable discharge after 12 years on April 9, 1947. He spoke fondly of meeting many friends in Japan and had hoped to return one day but was never able. He also served in the U.S. Army reserve for 9 years. He was very proud of his grandson Justin who also currently serves his country in the U.S. Airforce. Justin did recently visit Japan and shared pictures with his "pup" upon his return.

A dedicated, hard-working man, Ziggy retired from Williams College after 20 years of service as the Buildings & Grounds Paint Shop Foreman. Earlier he had worked for 27 years at the former Wall Streeter Shoe Co., North Adams where he first met Loretta. To provide for his family and "make ends meet", he also did many side jobs painting or wall-papering for many homes in the area.

He married the former Loretta M. Bellows, on May 5, 1951, celebrating 72 years of marriage this year. He also leaves two sons, Paul Cwalinski (Colleen) of Adams and David Cwalinski of Savoy; his daughter, Kathleen Luczynski (Richard) of Savoy, six beloved grandchildren (Danielle, Jason, Jennifer, Jessica, Mariah and Justin), six cherished great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves a brother-in-law Larry (Nancy) Bellows who regarded Ziggy as an older brother.

He was predeceased by his son Richard Cwalinski, who died on May 29, 2017. Missing him dearly, until very recently, Ziggy would visit his grave daily. He was also predeceased by three brothers, Stanley, Walter and Alexander Cwalinski and by four sisters, Sophie Natoli, Helen Fortier, Gladys Rutkowski and Alice Baczek. The patriarch of the family, he was very loved and respected.

Ziggy was an outdoorsman and loved hunting and fishing with his sons and tending to his vegetable garden until he was 95. He also had a green thumb for sunflowers which were admired by his neighbors. He also loved casinos, especially the slots, and collected hundreds of comp cards from his visits. When money allowed after raising his family, Ziggy and Loretta began to travel. Trips included, of course, Las Vegas several times including one special trip with Richie and David, as well as Wyoming, Florida, Hawaii and Rome.

renewed his license at 95 years old and loved his morning and afternoon drives around Town. Daily he would report who had a new car, how neighbors' gardens were doing, progress on the Glen project and other town happenings. His memory was amazing often the envy of family and friends.

He was a member of St. John Paul Parish and a dedicated St. Stanislaus church volunteer as a collector and member of the Property Committee for many years. He and Loretta also participated in the 1,150-day vigil that saved the church in 2011-2012.

family would like to thank Debbie and Linda from Hospice who compassionately cared for him during his last 10 challenging days of life as well as his son-in-law Richard, and Danielle and Mariah who helped to care for their "pup" during this time and were there to support their memer. Ziggy's strength and determination was evident during his final days and was only ready to leave this earth at the precise right time.

He was a "gentle giant" kind, loving and thoughtful beyond words and will be deeply missed.

A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 15th at 11:00 A.M. in St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, Adams.

Burial will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Adams.

There are no calling hours.

Memorial donations may be made to the SSK Preservation Fund, P.O. Box 328, Adams, MA 01220.

The PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, Adams, is in charge of arrangements.

To leave a message of condolence, or for directions, please go online to www.paciorekfuneral.com.