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1918
2013
SOUTHAMPTON - Zigmund F. Garstka, 94, of Cold Spring Road, Southampton, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013, at the Caldwell Home in Fitchburg.
He was born Nov. 29, 1918, in Chicopee, the son of the late Walter and Bertha (Salamon) Garstka.
He moved to Southampton as a young child and was educated in the Southampton schools. He was a graduate of the Easthampton High School class of 1937.
Zig was a World War II U.S. Army Air Corps veteran, serving with the 379th Bomb Air group, carrying out 26 missions earning him both an Air Medal and the European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon.
Zig was employed by the Southampton Highway Department for over 50 years, formally retiring in 1981 but working well into his retirement because he was the only one who could run the grader.
Zig was a lifelong communicant of the Immaculate Conception Church, where he was a long time collector, and presently a parishioner of the Our Lady of the Valley Parish. Zig was a member of the American Legion Post #168 in Southampton and was an avid outdoors man who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was particularly proud of his gardens.
Zig leaves his beloved wife of 62 years, Frances M. (Sazama) Garstka; his loving children, James J. Garstka and his significant other Jane Russell of Southampton, Jean M. DeLibertis and her significant other David S. DeLisle of Fitchburg; his four cherished grandchildren, James J. Garstka, Jr., Mark V. DeLibertis, Lisa M. DeLibertis and Jeff J. Russell; his caring brother and sisters, John V. Garstka, Alice Godek and Jeannette Kortes.
He was predeceased by his loved siblings, Helen Michonski, Gladys Moulton and Max Garstka.
A military funeral will be held Saturday at 9 a.m. from the O'Brien Funeral Home, 17 Clark St., Easthampton, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m. at the Our Lady of the Valley Parish. Burial will be in the St. Stanislaus Cemetery, all in Easthampton.
Memorial gifts can be made to the Caldwell Home, 10 Prospect St., Fitchburg, MA 01420.
To sign a Guest Book, express condolences, share memories and read other obituaries, go to www.gazettenet.com/obituaries.
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The family of Ted & Bertha Drzyzga offer their condolences and prayers for the passing of our Dad's cousin. We remember fondly the visits to the farm when we were young. Dad spoke often of his cousins in Southampton, always witha smile on his face. Zig will be remebered as a kind, hard-working gentle man.
Virginia (Drzyzga) Robak
March 4, 2013
Thank for the hard work ethic ... It will be pass on .. To a long life and loving family
Edmond LeClerc
March 2, 2013
May you rest and peace ..A great man will be remembered forever! Love to you Always
Tracy Lelgeman
March 2, 2013
Renee LeClerc
March 1, 2013
We will miss you Great Uncle Zig.
Love From Renee, Tracy, Greg & Edmond LeClerc
Renee LeClerc
March 1, 2013
Rest in peace Uncle Zig
Barbara Schmidt
March 1, 2013
Ziggy was a very good friend of my parents, Ernie and Rachel Delisle. We all went to the wedding of Ziggy and Frances many many years ago. Dad and Mom will be so glad to see their old friend in heaven. Dottie (Delisle) Burke
March 1, 2013
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Funeral services provided by:
O'Brien Funeral Home- Easthampton17 Clark Street, Easthampton, MA 01027
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