Alvin A. Rejniak

Alvin A. Rejniak, 95, of Northampton, died peacefully at home August 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born July 14, 1930, in Hatfield, MA to the late Charles and Mary (Swieconek) Rejniak, Alvin was the youngest of 5 growing up on Elm Street in Hatfield. He attended Hatfield schools, graduating from Smith Academy in 1949, attended the University of Massachusetts for a semester then began farming in Hatfield. Alvin was known as "ACE" in his early years for his interest in propeller aircraft. He married Jean F. LaRose, June 7, 1952, at St John's Episcopal church in Northampton and they had their reception at the Hatfield Club. Alvin and Jean farmed in their early years with Alvin later becoming a union carpenter. By 1956 they had built their home on Coles Meadow Road from timber cut and milled from their land and shortly thereafter, began raising a family. Alvin and Jean lived on Coles Meadow for their remaining years. Alvin worked in construction for M.I. O'Connor, Bank Builders of America and A.R. Green & Sons, retiring in 1993. Alvin worked on many construction projects in the Valley and was proud to have been the foreman when they constructed JFK Middle School in Florence and Crocker Farms Elementary School in Amherst. Alvin spent countless hours working in his garden, cutting cord wood, restoring old tractors, collecting old tools and hunting at his camp in Vermont and with his sons in Massachusetts. He was also an angler and enjoyed both freshwater and ocean fishing. Alvin and Jean enjoyed many trips to Cape Cod and every Saturday, when the weather was cooperative, Alvin and Jean would travel to the many tag sales in the area, bringing home countless treasures. Alvin and Jean also were fond of Polka dancing and followed the Polka circuit in the Valley. For many years, Alvin made his own beer before microbrewing became popular. Alvin was a member of the Hatfield Historical Society, the Whately Grange and the Moose Club. He was also a member of the Carpenters Union in Northampton and Springfield and the Building Trades Council in Northampton. Alvin and Jean were fond of their many pet animals, (dogs, chickens, geese, ducks and a heifer) as well as a rescued baby squirrel that they raised and were able to see returned to nature when it grew up. Alvin is survived by sons Mark (Barbara) and David (Debra) Rejniak; grandchildren Rebekah (Matthew) Davis, Steven, Jeffrey (Emily), and James (Danielle) Rejniak; great grandchildren Josie, J.D, and John Rejniak, and Izabella Davis and many nieces and nephews. Alvin was predeceased by his wife Jean, parents Charles and Mary (Swieconek) Rejniak, brothers Edward and Stanley and sisters Jean Florio and Charlotte Dearborn. The family would like to thank the many caregivers and hospital and hospice staff who took care of Jean and Alvin over many years. Calling Hours will be Sunday August 24, 2025, from 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM at the DROZDAL FUNERAL HOME, 120 DAMON RD, NORTHAMPTON, a Prayer service will begin at 1:30 PM in the Funeral Home. Burial will be held privately at the request of the family. The family requests that any donations be made to the Hatfield Historical Society, 39 Main Street, Hatfield, MA 01038 in Alvin and Jean's memory. For more information or to leave the family a personal condolence, please visit Drozdalfuneralhome.com.