Class of 1977, Westfield High School, Mass., In Memoriam

Lori J. Andras
(26 May 1959 - 03 Apr 2025; Age 65)

Lori J. Andras, 65, passed away peacefully April 3, 2025 in Baystate Medical Center. She was born on May 26, 1959 in Westfield to the late Edward F. and Edith V. (Whalen) Andras. She graduated Westfield High School. Most recently she worked for the UPS Store in Westfield. Lori was an avid Gardner. To cherish her memory Lori leaves her brother William Andras and his wife Kathy, Nephew William Andras Jr. and niece Amy Corliss. She also leaves her partner Dan Lamothe. She was predeceased by her Brother Edward Andras Jr. The calling hours for Lori will be on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 from 4-6 PM in Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield. A funeral service will follow at 6 PM. Donations in Lori’s name may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Obituary published on Legacy.com by WFSB on Apr. 8, 2025.
https://legacy.com/link.asp?i=ls208899738
https://www.firtionadams.com/obituary/Lori-Andras

David R. Jaszek
(27 Dec 1959 - 25 Sep 2025; Age 65)
[photo: WVHS yearbook]

WESTFIELD – David Jaszek (1959-2025) of Westfield, MA, passed away on September 25th, 2025. David was born in Westfield on December 27th, 1959, to the late Frank and Wanda (Pienkowski) Jaszek. He was employed for many years as a custodian for the Westfield Public School System and later as an HVAC technician with Allied Heating and Cooling. David had a deep love for animals, and alongside his wife, Barbara, adopted many cats and dogs throughout their years together, providing each of them with a loving, nurturing home. David and Barbara were inseparable and whether they were enjoying their weekly Sunday drives through the countryside, watching the Kansas City Chiefs games on TV, or relaxing at home while listening to the British Invasion Bands (The Beatles, The Yardbirds, The Animals, etc.) you could always be sure that you’d find their fur babies close by. David is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Barbara (Hillman) Jaszek, his sister Debra Kehr and her husband Ronald of Westfield, his brother Donald Jaszek and his wife Jennifer of Westfield, nephew Adam Salafia of Altus, OK, nephew Dylan Kehr and partner An Tran of Westfield, niece Kathryn Ritter and her husband Jesse of Westfield, great-niece Audra Roberts and great-nephew Jackson Roberts of Westfield, and good friend and brother-in-law Russell Hillman of Ludlow, MA. David also leaves his very special friends Matt and Jess whose support, love and caring brought so much comfort during such a difficult time. Last but not least, David leaves Pockets, his loving canine companion, who excitedly accompanied him and Barbara on those memorable Sunday drives. Please note that no public services will be held. Anyone wishing to celebrate David’s life and love of animals is asked to kindly make a memorial contribution in his name to the Dakin Humane Society.

Posted on October 28, 2025:
https://thewestfieldnews.com/david-jaszek

Amy (Hartnett) Carignan
(02 Feb 1959 ~ 14 Oct 2025; Age 66)

Amy Hartnett Carignan, (66), West Tisbury, MA peacefully passed on 14 October 2025 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Newark, NJ on Feb 2, 1959, daughter of the late Maureen (Dee) and Edward Hartnett. Amy was raised in Westfield, MA and graduated from Merrimack College. She enjoyed all the time she spent on Martha’s Vineyard, traveling, gardening, biking, walking, reading, volunteering at Friends of the West Tisbury Library, but most of all was spending time with her dear family and friends. Amy is survived by her husband of 33 years, Jeff, daughter Calla and fiancé Edward (Ted) MacDonald of South Boston, son Connor of Chicago, sister Lisa Murry and her husband Mike Murray of Hillsborough, NJ, extended family and her wonderful Mother-in-Law, Jan Carignan of Westfield, MA. Amy offers a very special Thank You to everyone at Mass General and Martha’s Vineyard Hospitals for the many years of caring and kindness. Calling hours will be on 23 October 2025 from 11am to 1pm at Firtion Adams, 76 Broad Street, Westfield, MA, with a funeral home service at 1PM. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Friends of the West Tisbury Library, PO Box 905, West Tisbury, MA 02575. https://gofund.me/414eaaf9d

http://legacy.com/link.asp?i=ls210107145
https://www.firtionadams.com/obituary/Amy-Carignan
https://www.facebook.com/amy.h.carignan

Thomas W. Daley
(21 Jul 1944 - 28 Sep 2025; Age 81)

Thomas W. Daley, age 81, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2025 with his family by his side. Tom was born to William J. Daley and Irene (Ravenna) Daley on July 21, 1944. He was a graduate of West Rutland High School, where he played football, basketball, baseball and was the Vermont Golden Glove Boxing Champion. He received his BA from Castleton State University, his MAT from American International College and his CAGS from Westfield State University. His first three years of teaching and coaching were in his hometown in which both his basketball and baseball teams played in the Vermont State Finals. For the next 35 years Tom taught, coached and was an administrator in the Westfield Public School System. He and his wife are owners of the City Hotel of Westfield, which has been in his wife’s family since 1912. An avid golfer, Tom was a member of Shaker Farms Country Club and enjoyed many different courses with his friends and family in and around Cocoa Beach, FL. He was a member of the Sons of Erin, Massachusetts Retirement Association, National Education Association, MIAA as well as several other organizations. In his later years he enjoyed watching and spending time with his grandchildren. Tom is survived by his wife of 57 years Anne, his brother Richard (Wendy), his four children William (Tara), Jeffrey (Kim), Kevin (Jennifer) and Tricia. He also leaves his seven grandchildren - Matthew, Maya, Abigail, Julia, Benjamin, Jackson, Addison - his sisters in law Jane (Gary), Mary Alice/Happy (Bob) and many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers Henry (Joan) and James, sister Noreen (Norman Duby). Calling hours for Tom will be held on Sunday October 5 from 2-5pm at the Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street. His funeral will be held on Monday October 6, 9:30 am from the funeral home followed by a funeral Mass at 10:30 am in St. Mary’s Church, Bartlett Street. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Rally for Westfield Sports Foundation , 276 Northwest Rd., Westfield, MA 01085 or Baystate Hospice, 30 Capital Drive, West Springfield, MA 01089. Special thanks to Eucharistic Minister Paul McKenna and Eric and Alicia of Hospice. Firtionadams.com

https://www.firtionadams.com/obituary/Thomas-Daley

Sharon L. (Hibert) Gustafson
(22 Sep 1942 - 18 May 2020; Age 77)

Sharon L. (Hibert) Gustafson, 77, passed away Monday, May 18, 2020. She was born in Westfield to the late Edward J. and Dolores L. (Bargeron) Hibert. Sharon was a 1960 graduate of Westfield High School, a 1963 graduate of Providence Nursing College and began employment as a Registered Nurse at Noble Hospital. She retired as the Westfield High School Nurse after 30 years of employment. Sharon's love for music and stage was rooted deeply in her life as she was a longtime member of the Westfield City Band, St. Mary’s Church choir (1970’s -'90’s) and was instrumental in managing all of the stage performances at Westfield High School during her tenure there. Sharon loved traveling with her best friend, Donna Cook Herman (Australia). She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Donald R. Gustafson on October 11, 2007, and her brother, James E. Hibert (2017). She is survived by her five children, Kenneth D. Gustafson and his wife Christine of Westfield, Jennipher A. McCabe and her husband Michael of Westfield, Alison D. Gustafson of Westfield, Daniel S. Gustafson and his wife Terri of Westfield and Ann L. Pritchard and her husband William of Russell. Additionally, Sharon is survived by her sister, Kathleen Palmer, thirteen grandchildren and former daughter in law, Laura Gustafson. All services are private and burial will be with her husband in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Agawam. There will be a celebration of Sharon’s life at a later date. Donations can be made in lieu of flowers to the WHS BOP. The family would like to acknowledge Armbrook’s staff and Compass Unit for their outstanding care for Sharon over the past 5 years. www.firtionadams.com.

Published by The Republican from May 19 to May 20, 2020.
http://legacy.com/link.asp?i=ls196212857
https://www.firtionadams.com/obituary/Sharon-Gustafson

Susan Skinner Emery
(30 Mar 1944 - 06 Sep 2025; Age 81)

Susan Skinner Emery, 81, of Westfield, MA, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2025, at Hospice of the Fisher Home in Amherst. Born on March 30, 1944, in Springfield, MA, she was the daughter of the late Arlan and Clara Skinner. She grew up in Belchertown, MA, with her beloved sister Jane. A cm laude graduate of Springfield College, Susan taught Physical Education and Science in the Westfield Public Schools for nearly four decades, retiring in 2003. She was a teacher who made learning fun and inspired countless students. She mentored new teachers throughout her career and later supervised student teachers at Westfield State University. A devoted Boston Red Sox and Celtics fan, she never missed a game. When the Sox broke their curse with the 2004 World Series victory, she celebrated with a solo midnight bike ride around her neighborhood. She also made many yearly pilgrimages to Florida for Red Sox Spring Training, a tradition she treasured. Creative and generous, Susan was known for her baking, sewing, theorem painting, and especially the 100-plus jars of homemade jam she and her sister Jane made each year as gifts for friends and neighbors. She also loved Broadway musicals—especially Les Misérables and The Phantom of the Opera—and always looked forward to chair yoga with her YMCA friends. She treasured her family, her wide circle of friends, and her community and church, where she served as a deacon and volunteer. She had a way of making everyone feel cared for, whether it was driving a fellow church member to an appointment, helping to plan a fundraiser, or simply showing up with a plate of cinnamon coffee cake. Of all her roles, though, she was most proud of being “Mimi” to her five grandchildren, and nothing brought her greater joy than celebrating their accomplishments and cheering them on. She is survived by her daughters, Holly Lurgio (Peter) and Meredith Hofmann (Eric); her grandchildren, Colby, Patrick, and Michael Lurgio, and Emery and Clea Hofmann; and her sister, Jane Skinner Ketchen (Greg). She was predeceased by her long-time cherished friend, Jim Shea. Her family is deeply grateful for the tender care she received at Bronson Rehabilitation Center in Westfield, Mary’s Meadow in Holyoke, and Hospice of the Fisher Home in Amherst, as well as to all the friends who visited and sent cards. Calling hours will be held Wednesday, September 24, 2025, from 4–7 PM at Firtion Adams Funeral Home, 76 Broad Street, Westfield, MA. A funeral service will be held Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 10 AM at the Second Congregational Church, 487 Western Avenue, Westfield, MA. Friends are invited to wear their favorite Red Sox apparel or something red in her honor. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of the Fisher Home (Fisherhome.org), the Jimmy Fund ([email protected]) , or a cat rescue of your choice.

Posted on September 17, 2025:
https://thewestfieldnews.com/susan-skinner-emery
https://www.firtionadams.com/obituary/Susan-Emery

Patricia Anne “Pat” Turner
(11 Jul 11, 1948 - 26 Jul 26, 2025; Age 77)

It is with loving and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Patricia Anne “Pat” Turner on July 26, 2025 at BayState Medical Center. Pat was 77 years of age. Born on July 11, 1948 in Brooklyn, NY, she was the beloved daughter of Helen and Henry Turner, formerly of West Granville, MA. Pat leaves behind her adoring sister, Linda Lightner, her niece Sara Joseph and husband Skip, her nephew William “Hutch” Pegler and wife Ryann, her nephew Peter Lightner and wife Nicola, and her niece Kelly Pegler and wife Stacey. She was predeceased by her niece Jill (Pegler) Brabender. In addition, she leaves behind her eight great-nieces and nephews whom she adored and who knew her as “Aunt Patty”. Pat was a graduate of Westfield High School and Mount Holyoke College. From childhood, Pat knew that her calling in life was to become a teacher. That dream was fulfilled with a teaching career in mathematics at Westfield High School that spanned three decades where she taught several generations of students and was voted ‘favorite teacher’ for countless years. She was loved by her students and became an inspiration to the hundreds that she touched throughout her career. Even after retirement, it was hard to go anywhere in the area that she didn’t encounter one of her former students. Pat was a kind and generous soul who cared deeply for her family and many, many friends. She never turned down a chance to help someone in need. She was an avid supporter of numerous charities of all varieties. Her home in West Granville was her haven and her yard was her pride and joy. The place that gave her the greatest happiness was her little fish pond where she would sit enjoying the nature all around her, along with the wildlife that she would faithfully attend to. She loved traveling, musical theater, playing card games, and baking for her family and friends. In accordance with her wishes, there will be no public services as she wished for her dear friends to remember her in life. To help celebrate her memory, a small donation to a food bank, animal shelter or charity of your choosing would be welcomed. www.firtionadams.com

Published by WFSB on Aug. 10, 2025.
http://legacy.com/link.asp?i=ls209542344
https://www.firtionadams.com/obituary/Patricia-Turner

Wade A. Lawson
(13 Apr 1959 - 25 Apr 2025; Age 66)

MSgt Wade A. Lawson, U.S. Air Force Retired, of Westfield passed away April 25th, 2025 following a brief and aggressive fight with ALS. Wade was born in Springfield, and raised in Westfield. He was a graduate of Westfield High School, class of 1977. Following graduation, he joined the United States Air Force and served at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, Plattsburgh Air Force Base in New York, Ramstein Air Base in Germany, Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico, Hahn Air Base in Germany, Castle Air Force Base in California, Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, and his final tour at Kunsan Air Base in South Korea. Wade was a Munitions Systems specialist, and a proud AMMO troop. IYAAYAS. He retired after 20 plus years of active duty service. After retiring from the Air Force, he became an active member of the American Legion, Post 124 in Westfield. Wade worked for Lego in Enfield, Connecticut as a carpenter building display cases and custom shipping containers for life size Lego models. Wade was a skilled and accomplished woodworker and handyman. He loved to fish; enjoying the solitude of nature. While stationed in Plattsburg, NY he bought his Jeep CJ7 which he modified over the years into a "wheeling machine". He drove the jeep with his family from the mountains of New York, through deserts of New Mexico and Arizona, into the gold mines of California, to the Badlands and Black Hills of South Dakota, and the back trails in New England that he loved. He deeply believed in protecting and preserving nature, and leaving no trace behind. Wade leaves his wife and best friend of 46 years, Robyn, whom he shared his life with since 13 years old, his two daughters Alena Kremer and her husband Aaron, Laurel MacBrian and her husband Matthew, and his three grandchildren Evelyn, Grayson, and Caroline. He also leaves his brother Karl Lawson. He was predeceased by his parents Tom and Carol Lawson. Wade loved his family and they meant the world to him. He will be deeply missed. A private service was held to honor Wade at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Wade's honor to the American Legion, Post 124 at 38 Broad St Westfield, Massachusetts. www.firtionadams.com

Published by The Republican from May 2 to May 3, 2025.
http://legacy.com/link.asp?i=ls209028461
https://thewestfieldnews.com/wade-a-lawson
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KLC8-M44

Laurie Jean (Marcyoniak) Rollins
(13 Feb 1959 - 21 Jan 2025; Age 65)

Laurie Jean Rollins, 65, passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at Baystate Noble Hospital in Westfield, MA. Laurie was a lifelong resident of Westfield. She was born on February 13, 1959, in Westfield, MA to the late Thomas Marcyoniak and Roberta (Yefko) Marcyoniak. She graduated from Westfield High School Class of 1977. Laurie worked at Alden Credit Union for many years, where she currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Finance & Treasurer. Laurie was an avid gardener and highly enjoyed birdwatching along with her koi fish pond. Laurie loved sharing photos and stories of the wildlife that would visit her property. She had a deep love for the ’70s and early ‘80s Rock Bands, especially the Eagles and Fleetwood Mac. She loved cooking and sharing meals with her family and friends. Laurie will be remembered for her big heart and endless generosity. She was a devoted caregiver and always concerned about the comfort and well-being of others, even as she battled her own health issues. Laurie took on the role of caregiver for many family members throughout her life, including her younger siblings, parents, grandparents and so many others dearest to her. Caring for loved ones was truly one of her many “happy places.” Laurie is predeceased by her parents Thomas and Roberta Marcyoniak, her ex-husband Joseph Rollins, and her brother Thomas Marcyoniak. She is survived by her life partner Paul Treat of Westfield, MA, her son Joe Rollins and daughter-in-law Jackie of Westfield, MA, her brother Paul Marcyoniak and his wife Terri of Westfield, MA, her sister Linda Carlos and her husband Joe of East Longmeadow, MA, her nieces Breanna Marcyoniak of Chicopee, MA and Jennifer Carlos of Ludlow, MA, her two loving labradors Sarge and Sammy, her granddog Sky, along with many other family members and friends. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Kane’s Krusade by mailing a check or money order to PO Box 1085, East Longmeadow, MA 01085 donations may also be made online at kaneskrusade.org or to the Whip City Animal Sanctuary by mailing a check or money order to 232 Montgomery Rd, Westfield, MA 01085 donations may also be made online at whipcityanimalsanctuary.com To express condolences to the family, and to share photos or memories please visit Laurie’s memorial page at avaloncelebrations.com Family and friends will gather to celebrate Laurie’s life on Friday, January 31, 2025, from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Avalon Life Celebration Center & Cremation Services, LLC 691 College Highway, Southwick, MA 01077.

avaloncelebrations.com/obituary/LAURIE-ROLLINS
tributearchive.com/obituaries/34759165/laurie-jean-rollins
facebook.com/laurie.j.rollins

E. Mark Zielinski
(09 Jun 1959 - 11 Sep 2024; Age 65)

E. Mark Zielinski, 65, beloved husband of Elizabeth (Libby) Murphy-Zielinski, of Attleboro, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2024 after an incredible 10 year battle with brain cancer. Mark was a unicorn who long outlived his initial diagnosis. Mark is survived by his loving wife, Libby, who was his staunchest ally in his fight against this disease, and their two children, Robert and Alexa. He is survived by his sister by proxy, Margaret Downey and her husband Steve Gilmore of Barnstable MA, He is also survived by his sister Janet (Joseph) Katalina of Island Pond VT and his brother, Alan Zielinski of Westfield, MA, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents. Born in Westfield MA to Evelyn (Herman) and Edward Zielinski. He was raised and educated in Westfield public schools and graduated from UMASS Amherst. His life long career in public service began in Boston with the Office of Capital Planning under Mayor Ray Flynn, and then the Water and Sewer Commission under Mayor Tom Menino. He met his wife, Libby in January 1988 on a set up by friends Jim and Wendy Curran at a Bobby Mcferrin Concert. They quickly became a couple, although neither one was looking to get "involved"! She asked him to be her Valentine and the rest is history! They lived in Jamaica Plain for a number of years and then built their home in Attleboro. Mark began working for Barnstable County in 1994, initially as Treasurer then County Administrator and Treasurer and continued in that role until his retirement in 2015. Mark was an avid bicyclist who enjoyed long rides on the Cape Rail Trail, along the CC Canal, as well as the East Bay Bike Path in RI. He rode the Five Boro Bike Tour in NYC with his son, Rob, and they also rode the original Boston Bikes route. Mark also completed the Flattest Century in the East ride. His longest and best riding friend was Margaret Downey, his colleague from Barnstable County. Mark and Libby traveled extensively in Europe, and brought back wonderful stories and memories. They also enjoyed traveling in the US with their children. They spent many summer vacations at the family cottage in Pinehurst Beach, Wareham and frequented NH. Ultimately Mark liked to be home, with his family. He was an excellent chef who will alw*ays be remembered for his wonderful Thanksgiving dinners. It was his favorite holiday and his turkey was always cooked to perfection! An experimental and adventurous chef and baker, his results weren't always the hit he hoped for. Libby will miss Mark's "supervision" when she tended her garden, where his helpful suggestions were often ignored. He delighted in their summer bounty, especially the basil pesto and cucumbers and medicinal cannabis. They enjoyed competing with each other for the best times completing the daily Mini Crossword in the New York Times. Visitation, to which relatives and friends are most kindly invited to attend, will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Sperry & McHoul Funeral Home, 15 Grove Street, North Attleboro. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Mark's honor by the Reverend David A. Costa on Friday, September 20, 2024 at 10:00 AM in Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church (Transfiguration of the Lord Parish), 14 Park Street, North Attleboro. Interment will be held privately at a later date. The family requests that those attending the funeral please report directly to the church that morning. There will be no public procession leaving from the funeral home. Those wishing to express their sympathy to the family may make a donation in Mark's memory to the Sturdy Health Oncology Clinic by mailing a check to Sturdy Health Foundation, 211 Park Street, P.O. Box 2963, Attleboro, MA, 02703. Please write Mark's name and "for Oncology Clinic" on the memo line of the check. Those wishing to donate may also do so online by visiting www.sturdyhealth.org. To sign an online guestbook and leave a condolence message, please visit www.sperrymchoul.com.

Published by Attleboro Sun Chronicle on Sep. 17, 2024:
http://legacy.com/link.asp?i=ls207765416
https://sperrymchoul.com/obituaries/e-mark-zielinski-65-on-september-11-2024
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KLVQ-S4D
facebook.com/mark.zielinski.359

Stephen Peter "Zay" Szczebak
(21 Feb 1959 - 28 Jul 2024; Age 65)

WESTFIELD – Stephen P. Szczebak (Zay), age 65, was called to Heaven on July 28th, 2024 the same day as his beloved father’s 42nd anniversary of passing. Stephen was the treasured son of the late Stephen and Patricia Szczebak of Westfield MA. Stephen will be greatly missed by his sisters who cherished him. Deborah Batchelder; his Irish twin Patricia Genovese (Philip); and Michele Liptak (William). Stephen leaves his adoring nieces, nephews and their spouses and his great nieces and nephews. The family was blessed to have Stephen love their children like they were his own, his heart of gold showed in his smile whenever he was around them. Stephen leaves behind cherished aunts, uncles and cousins that filled his life with wonderful memories. Zay will be missed by his close group of friends, many of whom he had since childhood, and his loving friend, Kelly. Stephen enjoyed working for many years at Strathmore Paper Company and Mestek in Westfield MA. He was an animal lover (knucklehead) and a sports fanatic. He enjoyed socializing with his friends, traveling to Colorado to visit his nieces and nephews, and spending time with family. His smile was infectious and those that knew him loved him for his kindness and humor. Stephen will be reunited in Heaven with his good friend, Steven Huffmire, whom he tragically lost during childhood, but whose memory stayed with him throughout his life. The family would like to thank the compassionate personnel that assisted during his last days, we are forever grateful. A funeral mass will be held on Friday. August 9th, 2024 at St. Mary’s Church in Westfield MA at 10:00 a.m. End of life arrangements entrusted to Avalon Life Celebration Center & Cremation Services, LLC, 691 College Highway, Southwick, MA 01077. To express condolences to the family, please visit www.avaloncelebrations.com

Posted by The Westfield News on August 5, 2024:
https://thewestfieldnews.com/stephen-p-szczebak
https://www.avaloncelebrations.com/obituary/STEPHEN-SZCZEBAK
facebook.com/stephen.szczebak