Frank Roger Szawlowski Sr.

FRANK ROGER SZAWLOWSKI SR.

Hatfield, MA - Frank Roger Szawlowski, Sr., age 87, of Hatfield, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 22, 2026. Born on August 6, 1938, in Northampton, he was the son of the late Chester and Agnes (Baj) Szawlowski. Frank was educated in Northampton public schools and graduated from Northampton High School, where he excelled as an athlete and proudly played halfback on the football team. It was during those years that he met the love of his life, Nancy Shea. High school sweethearts who built a beautiful life together, Frank and Nancy celebrated 67 years of marriage.

Growing up among five siblings-three brothers and two sisters-Frank spent his entire life working alongside his brothers on the family potato farm. Each brother played a distinct role in the growth and success of what ultimately became the 116-year-old farming, packing, and shipping operation known today as SWAZ Potato Farms. Frank's charisma, sharp instincts, and business vision led him into sales, marketing, and strategic expansion. His leadership and relationships were instrumental to the farm's land and real estate growth throughout the valley, and he became known as one of the most respected agricultural figures in the region.

Frank and his brothers received many honors over the years, including the 2013 Agricultural Adventurer Award for Century Farming. In 2018, Frank was named "Farmer of the Year" by The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, and he was featured in the documentary Life Ain't Fair about the nation's longest-running agricultural fair. He became "the face" of SWAZ Potato Farms in advertising partnerships with b.good restaurants and Big Y supermarkets. His commitment to agriculture extended into philanthropy as well; in 2010, he helped establish the Szawlowski Farms Agricultural Foundation, which provides scholarships to students pursuing agricultural studies and supports educational programs throughout the potato-growing region.

Known affectionately as the "Potato King," Frank's generosity was unmatched. Friends and neighbors recall his pickup truck loaded with watermelons each summer, which he handed out freely to families and children across town. He had a rare blend of warmth, joy, and quiet authority, leading many to describe him as a mix between Santa Claus and The Godfather-someone who cared deeply, gave freely, and earned universal respect.

Many who knew Frank have shared heartfelt messages: "Truly one of the greats." "My hero." "He taught me so much." "Your dad was someone I looked up to." "So strong." "Generous and hardworking." "A supportive dad and husband." "It was an honor knowing him." "Proud to be his neighbor." Several recalled that when Frank spoke to you, you felt like the only person in the room-because he listened with genuine interest and enthusiasm.

Frank was a devoted family man who cherished the life he built with Nancy in their beautiful Hatfield home, where they raised their five children. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Nancy (Shea) Szawlowski; his daughter Shelley Szawlowski and her husband Ron Smiarowski of Hatfield; his daughter Melanie Wickles and her husband Greg Wickles of Hatfield; and his daughter Diane Mullins and her husband Christopher Mullins, Sr. of Centreville, Virginia and Dr. Steven Leon (husband of Lisa) of Port Jefferson, New York.

Frank was pre-deceased by his daughter, Lisa Leon and by his son, Frank Szawlowski, Jr., as well as his siblings Helen (Szawlowski) Von Flatern, John Szawlowski, Chester Szawlowski, Stanley Szawlowski and Marion (Szawlowski) Zgrodnik.

Frank's legacy continues through his grandchildren-Dr. Natalie Sajkowicz and her husband Jay, Kelley Nichols and her husband Evan, Sarah Kretchmar and her husband DJ, and Marissa Nielsen and her husband Alex; Allie Terwilliger, Christopher Mullins, Jr., and Nancy Mullins; Madelyn Leon and Chloe Leon; and Frank Szawlowski III-as well as his eight beloved great-grandchildren, who brought him immeasurable joy and who will carry his spirit into the next generation.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Czelusniak Funeral Home in Northampton. A service will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, March 2, at the funeral home, followed by burial at St. Mary's Cemetery in Northampton.

The family wishes to thank Maryanne Tracy for her kindness, gentle care, friendship and support over the last eight months of Frank's illness.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Frank's honor may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to the Szawlowski Farms Agricultural Foundation, PO Box 9, Hatfield, MA 01038.

Frank's legacy is immeasurable. A visionary farmer, respected businessman, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and a true patriarch-Frank will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Please go to Czelusniakfuneralhome.com for online condolences and tribute book.