Max B. Presnal

Max B. Presnal died on February 29, 2024, a day after his 91st birthday. Max was born on February 28, 1933 in Chicopee to the late Joseph B. and Anna (Janas) Presnal. He attended St. Stanislaus Parochial School and Chicopee High School where he lettered in basketball during his junior and senior years, graduating from CHS in 1950. Max enlisted in the United States Navy, proudly serving his country from 1952-1956, highlighted by a Mediterranean cruise aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Coral Sea, where he visited many European ports. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy in March 1956. A mere month later Max embarked on a 31-year career with IBM, serving in the role of senior customer engineer where he had a vital role in troubleshooting and repairing many generations of state-of-the-art computer equipment. After retiring from IBM, Max dabbled in a variety of activities, including officiating high school and youth sports. He quickly became a veteran official whose advice and counsel were sought after by his brother and sister officials in basketball, football, softball, and track & field. Sports was a lifelong passion for Max as he moved from participant in high school and adult leagues to spectator, public address announcer, and official. After relocating to Florida, Max spent many seasons working as an usher and crowd control specialist for the New York Mets baseball team at their spring training facility in Port St. Lucie, FL. But nothing made Max happier and prouder than watching his children and grandchildren compete on the fields and courts. In addition to his love of sports, Max was an avid gardener who produced spectacular tomatoes and all sorts of veggies. He was incredibly handy with tools and capable of building or fixing nearly anything he set his mind to. Max loved listening to music, especially Frank Sinatra, big bands, and pop tunes. He also loved to dance, solve crossword puzzles, and play cards with family & friends. Boating trips with family to Otis Reservoir, Lake Winnipesauke, and the Connecticut shore were a favorite way to spend summer days, as was fishing on Quabbin Reservoir with his kids. Max was very proud of his Polish heritage. Max met the love of his life, Stella Morin, in 1956 and they were wed on June 14, 1958 in St. George Roman Catholic Church in Chicopee. Family was extremely important to Max and over the years he and Stella had wonderful times hosting large and small family gatherings. Max’ deep love for Stella and their children was evident to all who knew him. The loss of his son, Michael, at age 2 & ½, and best buddy and brother, Joseph, in his prime were both crushing events for Max. In addition to his parents, brother Joseph, and son, Michael, Max is predeceased by his older brother Thaddeus and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law. He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Stella; son Stephen and his wife Diane of Belchertown, MA, their children Samantha and husband Josh of Long Island City, NY, Alex and wife Rachael of Morris, CT; son Anthony and his wife Charitty of Melbourne, FL; daughter Jennifer and her husband Michael Zuppe of Costa Mesa, CA and their children, Max, William, and Morgan. He is also survived by his sister, Jane Topor and her husband Frederick of Palm Beach Gardens, FL and two great-grandchildren, Caiden and Constance. Max also leaves several brothers and sisters-in-law, dozens of nieces and nephews and many dear friends, too many to name. Calling hours for Max will be held on Friday, March 8th, from 9:00AM to 10:45AM at Kozikowski Funeral Home, 565 Front Street, Chicopee, followed by a funeral home service at 11AM. Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Chicopee. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Max Presnal’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-0050.

Max B. Presnal

February 28, 1933 - February 29, 2024

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Max B. Presnal

February 28, 1933 - February 29, 2024

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Grief & Healing

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