Thaddeus A. Pniak

November 15, 1918 - June 15, 2020

Thaddeus A. “Teddy” Pniak, 101, passed away on Monday, June 15, 2020 at Baystate Medical Center. A lifelong resident of Chicopee, Teddy was born on November 15, 1918 to parents Joseph and Mary (Furman) Pniak. He graduated from Chicopee High School and was a communicant of the Basilica of St. Stanislaus, Bishop & Martyr. Teddy served in the US Army Air Corps in Italy during World War II. A member of the greatest generation, Teddy was awarded Campaign Ribbons for the European and American Theatres of War. He was employed for over thirty-five years as a tire builder for Uniroyal Mfg. in Chicopee. Along with his parents, Teddy was predeceased by his sister, Josephine Pniak, and brothers, Herb Pniak and wife Julia Wilk, and Chester Pniak and wife Rosemary Daly. He is survived by his loving sister, Marion Pniak; nephew John Pniak; niece Mary-Elizabeth Costello and husband Thomas Costello; and great nieces, Mary-Kate Costello and Rosemary Costello, all of Chicopee. Teddy would read four newspapers and solve crossword puzzles every day until his death. He loved sports and was a walking encyclopedia on sports history. His keen mind of 101 years will be missed. Teddy loved his family and was especially close to his great nieces. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday at 10AM in St. Stanislaus Basilica, followed by burial with Military Honors in St. Stanislaus Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Stanislaus School, 534 Front St., Chicopee, MA 01013 or Dakin Humane Society, P.O. Box 6307, Springfield, MA 01101.