Jan W Lessin

Chicopee- Jan W. Lessin, Jr., 83, entered into eternal peace on August 25, 2025, with his family by his side.  With dignity and grace, he had been battling a rare form of cancer for many years.  Born in Springfield on July 28, 1942, he was the eldest son of the late Eileen (Britt) and Jan W. Lessin, Sr.  He was raised in Chicopee, graduated from Cathedral High School in 1960, received his Bachelor’s of Science Degree from Westfield State University in 1964, and his Masters of Arts from UCONN in 1965.  Jan had a long teaching career in the Chicopee schools, beginning as a science teacher at Selser School for a brief period, before moving on to the science dept. at Chicopee Comprehensive High School for 16 years.  Jan then began working in the Telecom Dept., producing and directing television programming for Channel 5, and teaching photography class.  Jan retired in 2013 after 48 years of service to the Chicopee Public Schools.  He was also a photographer, capturing special moments for friends and family at weddings and other events.  He worked for Donn Robinson Photography and was a photographer for the Westfield newspaper.   He was an avid New England Patriots fan, and he loved listening to the sports critics banter on TV and radio.  Jan was a true gentleman, with a warm smile and a generous heart.  Never wanting any attention for his good deeds, Jan was always there to help friends and family and his support for them was unwavering.  Jan thoroughly enjoyed his visits with his niece and nephew, and great-nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, Jan was predeceased by two of his brothers, Joseph Lessin (2021) and Lawrence Lessin (2024).  He leaves behind his loving sister, Mary Peczka and her husband, Daniel, of Clifton Park, NY, and his loving brother, Michael Lessin, of Chicopee, as well as several nieces, nephews, and dear friends.  Jan will be sadly missed by his family and friends and those whose lives he touched.  The family wishes to express their gratitude to Dr. Arenos and staff, especially Kiki, everyone from Baystate Health VNA, Dr. McCann at the D’Amour Cancer Center, Baystate Medical Daly 6A and hospice team.  They are grateful for the care and respect given to their brother and uncle.  Calling hours for Jan will be held from 5:00 to 7:00pm on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at the Corridan Funeral Home, 333 Springfield St., Chicopee, MA.  Friends and family are invited to gather directly at St. Stanislaus Basilica, 566 Front St., Chicopee, for Jan’s Funeral Mass at 10:00am on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.  Burial will take place following Mass in Calvary Cemetery, in Chicopee.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Jan’s memory can be made to a charity of one’s choice.  www.CorridanFuneral.com