Karl Z. Ozga

Karl Z. Ozga, 80, recently passed away peacefully with his family by his side, after living an accomplished life as a loving husband, father, grandfather (Dziadziu), brother, and a “good friend”. Born September 2, 1944 in Loitsche, Germany, Karl emigrated to the United States in 1957 with his mother, the late Genowefa (Leszkowicz) Ozga, and siblings, Richard and Sofia. Karl attended Mater Dolorosa School, and was a parishioner of Mater Dolorosa Church, both in Holyoke. He graduated from Holyoke Trade School with a diploma in the electrical field. In 1965 Karl enlisted in the US Marine Corps, and following advanced training at Camp Lejune NC, he was deployed to Vietnam as a Combat Engineer. Karl later joined a local Marine Corps reserve unit at Westover ARB, Chicopee, and in 1990-1991 his unit was deployed to the Persian Gulf, for Operation Desert Storm. After his deployment, he retired honorably as a Gunnery Sergeant, (E-7). Karl was employed at Moore Drop Forge as an electrician, St. Jean Electric, Worthington Compressor as a machine operator, for Avon as a delivery driver, and, after twenty-three years, he retired from USPS Bulk Center Springfield as a mail handler. Karl is survived by his loving wife of fifty-five years, Mary K. (Swiszcz) Ozga; daughter, Yola Ann Miodowski; grandchildren, Michelle, Nicole and Mark; brother, Richard (Joan) Ozga and sister, Sophia Mclenden Azlin; in-laws, Zofia (Fred) Stefanowicz, Louis (Darlene) Swiszcz, Stanley (Rosemarie) Swiszcz, Elizabeth (Alex) Simao, and Genny Guzik-Swiszcz. Also, nieces and nephews, Kristie (Michael), Laura (Mark), Eric (Brenda), Daniel (Kelly), Christopher, Michael, Thaddeus, Alexander, Jr. (Erin), Jennifer (John), David, Lisa (John), Chester, Jr. (Chrystina), Chantal (Josh), Daniel (Cristina), Stefanie (Cody), Sonia, Josh (Tiffany), Clay, Zach, Daniel, Jessie, Johnna. He was predeceased by his in-laws, Stefania and Tadeusz Swiszcz, brother-in-law, Czeslaw Swiszcz, and nephews, Edward Pycz and Uriah Huston. There was nothing more important to Dziadziu than taking his grandkids Michelle, Nicole and Mark to their soccer games, swimming meets, band concerts/half time shows, and cheering them on, as he was so proud of them. He also loved to spend time at the Wakeda Camp with grandkids, nieces, nephews, and in-laws. Karl loved golfing, cross country skiing, polka music, dancing/singing, and reading. His passion was running, and he participated in running the Marine Corp Marathons, Ragnar Relay, as well as many local marathons and half-marathons. Karl loved to work in the garden, tend to his roses, and taking great care of the yard. He was “all hands on “, and there was nothing that he could not do. Karl was a Majster Klepka, otherwise known as a “jack of all trades”. To my grandson Mark, thank you for stepping into my (Dziadziu) shoes, taking over many tasks, especially outdoor, that I did every day; Dan, his sons Adam and Jacob, for help with yard work and snow blowing, Louis and Darlene; with transportation to his appointments, and baking special apple cakes. Also, his brother Richard and Joan for always being there for him; Ella, Zofia, Ewa, and Leszek for their support; and also to his “Marine brothers” Eddie, Lee, Chris S. and Paul G, Tom S., Sophie, Wendy, Joe, and Jason. Karl would like to thank his family, friends, and Fr. Lucjan Krolikowski Knights of Columbus for their prayers. Special thank you to Fr. Brad, Fr. John, Deacon Michael Pray and Mary Blanchette. Also, a special “Thank You” to the doctors, and angels “nurses without wings”, at Mercy Medical Center, Bay State Medical Center, Agawam Rehab, and Mont Marie Rehab for their professional and dedicated work, always with a smile, as well as Sr. Caritas Radiology Dr. J. Hyder and staff, and Oncology Dr. Agnes McAuliffe and staff. Karl was a faithful parishioner of St Stanislaus Basilica and member of Knights of Columbus Fr Lucjan Krolikowski Council 18251, Polish Cultural Center, Elks, Moose Lodge, Tigers, and a life member of the Marine Corps League of Westfield. Funeral services for Karl will be held Monday, June 16th with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10AM in St. Stanislaus Basilica, 566 Front St., Chicopee, followed by burial with Military Honors in St. Stanislaus Cemetery. Calling hours are Sunday from 5-7PM and Monday morning from 8:45-9:45AM at Kozikowski Funeral Home, 565 Front St., Chicopee. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Polish Cultural Center or St. Stanislaus School Endowment Fund. kozikowskifuneralhome.com

Karl Z. Ozga

September 2, 1944 - June 6, 2025

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Karl Z. Ozga

September 2, 1944 - June 6, 2025

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