John F. Ptaszek, Jr.

John F. Ptaszek, Jr., 88, passed away peacefully at Holyoke Medical Center on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. Born March 30, 1935, son of the late John and Stella (Sliwa) Ptaszek, he was a lifelong Chicopee resident. A graduate of Chicopee High School, Class of 1953, John continued his education, earning a BS in Personnel Management in 1957 from American International College, and a Master’s Degree in Education in 1962 from Westfield State College. In 1973 he earned his CAGS in Humanistic Education from University of MA. John proudly served his country in the US Army Reserves from 1957-1962 as a member of the artillery branch. He retired after a thirty-four year career as an elementary teacher for the City of Springfield. John began in 1959 at the former Myrtle St. School, and served as president of the school’s PTA during the 1964-65 school year. After the school’s closure in 1982, he taught at Margaret C. Ells School until his retirement in 1993. John was a faculty representative and “head teacher” for both schools for many years, as well as a life member of the Springfield Education Association, serving on its Executive Board. In 1992 he was selected to be included in the “Who’s Who” among America’s teachers. He was also a life member of the Massachusetts Teachers Association and the National Education Association. For fourteen years John taught physical education to handicapped youth at the Brimfield Boys Club (now known as the Camp Isabella Program) during its summer program. He served as president of the Springfield Schools Masters Club for bowling and golf during the 1969-70 school year. John was a fast and slo-pitcher for several area teams in the Chicopee Softball League for twenty years. He was chosen the league’s Most Valuable Player in 1959. John was a devoted communicant of the Basilica of St. Stanislaus and served his parish in several supportive roles. In retirement he became a voluntary reader and officer for the Valley Eye Radio program, reading the daily newspaper to the blind and sight impaired. He is survived by several caring cousins and his longtime loving friend, Donna Leyden, of Chicopee. Funeral services for John will be held Saturday at 8AM from Kozikowski Funeral Home, 565 Front St., Chicopee, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9AM in St. Stanislaus Basilica. Committal service and burial will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery. Calling hours are Friday from 5-7PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the John F. Ptaszek Scholarship Fund, c/o the Pioneer Valley Charitable Foundation.

John F. Ptaszek, Jr.

March 30, 1935 - December 5, 2023

What We Do

Who We Are

Grief & Healing

Resources

Plan Ahead

Contact Us

Obituaries

Contact Information

John F. Ptaszek, Jr.

March 30, 1935 - December 5, 2023

What We Do

Who We Are

Grief & Healing

Resources

Plan Ahead

Contact Us

Obituaries

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support