Joseph Leonard Sniezak

HADLEY - Joseph L. Sniezak, SMSGT-RET., USAF, 83, of Stanislaus Parish in Chicopee died 7 Oct. 2012 after a long illness. Mr. Sniezak was a resident of Hadley at Elaine's Nursing Home in Hadley, MA. In his last hours he was surrounded by his children and grand-children as they held a vigil in his room recounting life experiences. Joseph spent 29 years in proud service through the U.S. Air Force. He spent two tours of duty apart from his family in Korea. Throughout his career he was station at Mitchell AFB, N.Y., Warner Robbins AFB, Ga. Westover AFB MA., and Luke AFB, AZ. He retired at the rank of SMSgt. Afterwards, he served the US Postal Service for many years where he later retired in the civilian world. Born 18 March, 1929 in Lackawanna, NY Joseph is one of 7 children, 6 brothers and one sister. Only his brother Edward survives him. His wife Jean Sniezak (nee Fisher) predeceased him in June 2003. He is survived by their 5 children: Joseph Sniezak Jr. (Stacy) of Long Beach, CA, Jean Funari (Diane) of Greenfield, MA, Gary Sniezak (Kathy) of Syracuse, NY, Carissima Ann Rudnicki (Matt) of Chicopee, MA, and Mark Sniezak of West Springfield, MA. He is also survived by their 11 grandchildren Jennifer, Michael, Candice, Frank, Krysten, D.J., Jack, Adam, Jessica, Danielle and Madison and seven great grand-children Logan, Jaxson, Joseph, Stefania, Jude, Vincent and Alexis. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make donations to the United States Air Force Society (AFAS) or Hospice of Franklin County MA. Services will be held at St. Stanislaus Basilica in Chicopee on Oct. 10, 2012 at 10a.m. and burial of his ashes will take place Oct. 13,2012 in St. Stanislaus Cemetery at 10:30a.m. with military honors. Inquires can be made at Corridan Funeral Home, 333 Springfield Street, Chicopee, MA.