Hockey in heaven just got a lot more interesting due to the unexpected yet peaceful passing of Francis S. Pycko, Jr. “PIKE, Fran, Franny, Frankie” (3.16.1956-2.19.2021) on Friday, February 19, 2021 in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Francis leaves behind the love of his life, Kimberly (son Nick, granddaughter Lucia) who, for the last 23 years, has been by his side - literally, often squeezed so tightly in a headlock against his body. He also leaves behind his three children who he loved deeply and of whom he was immeasurably proud: Christopher Pycko (mother Nancy), Lyndsey Nunes (mother Angel), and Duke Pycko (mother Cathy Pycko). And, we can't forget his kids who have paws, his two faithful pups, his boy Kodi and his lil’ girl Dixie. Frankie was predeceased by his loving parents, Francis Sr. and Nancy Pycko. He was the middle child of three boys, leaving behind his reliable older brother, Fred and free spirited younger brother, Tony. Many of his life memories include his sister-in-law Moe, and his three adored nieces Krystina, Natalie, and Michelle Pycko. A year in Pike’s life was equivalent to seven in most others’ lives; he lived every day in the moment, wearing his heart on his sleeve, and never regretting anything. He had a special way of ensuring everyone around him felt the warmth of his love through his headbutts, headlocks, and one-of-a-kind hugs often accompanied by his big bear hand pat on your back. He lit up a room when he walked in, turning heads of all with his 6’3” build, perfect smile, gel-slicked back signature ponytail, biker shades on top of his head, work boots, a jean cutoff muscle shirt or grey, black, and red shop shirt and the strong lingering scent of Chrome. Fran never met a stranger (but in his case it’s appropriate to add, a rule) he couldn’t break, a boundary he couldn’t push, a line he couldn’t cross (figuratively and literally), and a story he couldn't stretch. To know him was to love him and you never met someone who didn’t. He was the true depiction of a larger-than-life rockstar in every way. He worked hard and played harder. His feelings of invincibility exuded from him; you felt safe, protected, and lucky to be in his presence, a presence that the world will never be the same without. He lived life like it had no limits; no matter what was thrown at him he always landed on his feet with a story to tell. Those stories reflecting his days growing up in Holyoke, playing hockey at UMass where he met his best friend, TJ O’Brien, the Dante Club, the Olympia, race tracks, golf courses, UPS, the Cape, Florida, states he wouldn’t be retiring to, the casino, local restaurants - the list could go on and on - but all share a commonality, they were places where strangers became friends who became his family. The most prevalent of all story sites has to be Excel or “the shop”. As soon as you pulled or walked into the acoustic sounds of the impact wrench and Rock 102, you would see him turn and look up at you from under the hood of a car and he would greet you with a classic one-liner that would make you smile, laugh, or possibly be afraid. No matter if it was doom and gloom news for your car, a quick oil change, or that he said “I can’t do it”, he did; he always got the job done. He poured his heart and soul into so many cars, cars of people who he considered family who also probably provided one of the loaner cars during the service. The shop will never be the same and has been filled with so many “little Pikes” throughout the years but, we would be remiss to not mention Nick, who tried to keep him in line for the last 10. Last but not least, his UPS family who meant so much to him for the last 22 years (except on Sunday nights). He truly left his mark on too many name (and if we did, he would be mad that we spent too much). Pike did everything at full speed, without a worry in the world, but couldn’t always get his ducks in a row, leaving things slightly unfinished, as finality to him didn’t exist, especially in this instance. While he is no longer physically with us, Pike’s life legacy isn’t close to being completed, it is just on a rain delay. So, gentlemen start your engines! Fran Pycko’s impact on this world is truly just beginning. Calling hours will be Saturday February 27th from 2:00 to 5:00 pm at the West Springfield Curran-Jones Funeral Home. There will be a Celebration of Frank’s Life in the summer. Memorial donations may be made Shriner’s Hospital for Children,516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.
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