Edward L. Orwat

Edward L. Orwat, 79, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 8, 2025 at Mercy Medical Center, surrounded by loving family. Born on August 7, 1945, son of the late Edward and Dorothy (Lagimoniere) Orwat, he was raised in Chicopee and graduated from Chicopee High School. Following high school graduation, Edward became a crane operator for Joseph Orwat & Son Inc., the company incorporated by his grandfather, Joseph Orwat, in 1949. Edward became the proud owner and founder of Garland Construction in 1978. He was president of Garland Construction until 2012, when he turned the company over to his son, Daniel. Even after retiring, Edward could be found helping out on job sites with his son Christopher, or hanging out in the office with Daniel and Jilliane. Edward passed down his love of construction to his three sons, Peter, Christopher, and Daniel, and grandson Jeremiah. Outside of the construction world, Edward had a passion for collecting classic cars and spending time with his dogs. He also served on the board for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Western Massachusetts. More recently, he found joy in his 7:00pm phone calls with Leona and nightly visits with his granddaughter, Jenna, and fiancé, Albert, who were his upstairs neighbors and main caretakers. Edward was predeceased by his son, Peter Orwat, and his first grandson, Nicholas Orwat. He leaves behind his life partner, Leona (Boisvert) Orwat; three siblings, Donald Orwat and wife Denise of Southampton; Christine Houle and husband Norman, Edward's lifelong friend, of Easthampton, and Karen Ciejek and husband David of Mashpee; daughter-in-law Dawn Orwat of Chicopee; two caring sons, Christopher and wife Michelle, of Southampton, and Daniel and wife Jilliane, of Amherst; grandchildren, Karissa Netto and husband Kevin of Westhampton, Jordan Orwat and partner Sara of Springfield, Travis Salgado and partner Brandi of FL, Miranda Colon and husband Omar of Southampton, Jeremiah Orwat and fiancée Katarina of Chicopee, Alisha Orwat and partner Andrew of West Springfield, and Jenna Orwat and fiancé Albert of South Hadley; several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, and his two beloved dogs, Eddie and Willie. A private burial will be held for the family at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriner's Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104-2396. kozikowskifuneralhome.com

Edward L. Orwat

August 7, 1945 - June 8, 2025

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Edward L. Orwat

August 7, 1945 - June 8, 2025

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Grief & Healing

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