Edward J. Kaplita

April 26, 1925 - September 25, 2015

Edward J Kaplita, philanthropist, gentleman, 40 year retiree of Monsanto, US Navy Veteran of World War II, and owner of Green Mt. Variety & Liquor (The Plainfield Mall), died peacefully at home with his loving wife Christine Giera (Kaplita) by his side. Edward was involved in an abundance of organizations; Polish American Veterans, Polish Legion of American Veterans USA, Society of Polish American Culture, South Hadley Polish Cultural Center, American Association of the Friends of Kosciuszko at West Point, New England Chapter of the Kosciuszko Foundation, Polish Home of Hartford, CT, and many more. Edward self-funded 2 charities, the Edward J Kaplita Foundation and the Christine Giera Polish Heritage Trust. These charities supported the Cadets of the Kosciuszko Squadron at the USMC in West Point NY, the Pulaski Day Parade in Northampton, MA, Springfield Rescue Mission, Elms College, PLAV National Newspaper, Plainfield, MA Volunteer Fire Dept., Plainfield, MA Police Department, Polish American Foundation of CT, Katyn Memorial Monument, Baltimore MD, Polish American Foundation of CT, Polish Culture Museum, Philadelphia PA, Polish Scouting Organization of Brooklyn, NY, Polish Scouting Organization of CT, Erection of the Paderewski Monument, Southern CA School of Music, Polish Museum of Chicago, Polish National Youth Baseball League (Poland), Society of Polish American Culture, and many more. He was a communicant of the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr. Ed is survived by his loving wife, Christine Giera (Kaplita). Ed was pre-deceased by his beloved mother, Emelia (Podbielski) Kaplita and his father, Stanley Kaplita (both born in Poland). He was also pre-deceased by all 4 of his siblings, Fred, Leo, Bernard and Suzie. He is survived by his nieces and nephews, Marcie Sharp and Pam Brandt of Texas, Stan Kaplita of Atlanta, Cindy Richardson Kaplita of Virginia, Nancy Patridge of CT, Paul Kaplita of MA. His passing has greatly saddened his brother and sister-in-law Walter and Nancy Giera of Annapolis, MD. Very important to Ed was Green Mountain Variety & Liquor (which locals call the Plainfield Mall) located in Plainfield, MA - part of the hill towns of Western MA. Ed purchased the store in 1961 at the age of 36. He has been the sole owner all these years. After retiring from Monsanto, Edward moved to Plainfield so he could better care for the store. Ed believed the store kept him strong, happy and alive. He worked 12 hour days without complaints. Ed worked at the Plainfield Mall until Sunday, September 20, 2015. He passed away in Chicopee 5 days later. Edward was loved by so many. "If tears could build a stairway and thoughts a memory lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again". Although Ed donated funds to numerous organizations - he was most devoted to supporting the Cadets of the Kosciuszko Squadron, USMA at West Point. Burial with Military Honors for Edward will be held Friday at 2PM at the MA Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Agawam MA.