Stanley F. Strempek Jr.

Stanley F. Strempek Jr., 93, of Easthampton, passed away peacefully at his daughter's home on Monday August 11, 2025. His daughter was able to take care of Stanley through the assistance of the VA Caregiver Program offered to veterans. Stanley also received care from Baystate Hospice in the home setting. He was born in Northampton on June 20, 1932, to the late Stanley Strempek Sr. and Caroline (Bien) Michalowski. He was educated at Sacred Heart School in Easthampton and later educated at Smith Vocational and Agriculture High School. Stanley eagerly wanted to enlist in the military and serve his country, so he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War with his brother and a few childhood friends. He proudly served his country with the Marines from 1951-1954, after being honorably discharged, he continued his service with the U.S. Air National Guard Barnes Westfield from 1974-1992 as a military police Tech Sergeant. He retired on June 20, 1992, when the Colonel of the base gave him a huge retirement party in his honor. Everyone attended in the final "sendoff" in honoring Stanleys extraordinary career achievements. Stanley was a very active member of the American Legion Post 224 in Easthampton for over 20 years; he was also a member of the Marine Corp. 141 League in Westfield. Stanley had worked for Phillips Management Company in Easthampton as a painter for 43 years before retiring. He then volunteered to be a crossing guard and delivering Meals on Wheels for the town of Easthampton. The Daily Hampshire Gazette newspaper had once interviewed Stanley in his home when he was 72 yrs old close to Veteran's Day, where Stanley proudly discussed his military journey. He recalled boot camp at Paris Island, discussing how difficult it had been. Handling explosives and discussing the shooting range with his recruits. Before he was honorably discharged, Stanley was a military police officer all over the country and abroad, including bases at Guantanamo Bay Cuba and Panama City. But of all his assignments, Stanley loved the base at Las Vegas the best. Joining the Air National Guard in Westfield was the latter part of his military career. His name is proudly held on a plaque outside of Barnes Air Force Base listing his cumulative years in the military. One can say that Stanley was very well known in the town of Easthampton and respected by many. Residents spoke of him often as being "the nicest guy you ever want to meet". He was certainly that plus much more. But Stanley's smile that he was known for the most, showed his kindness and humbleness through and through. He will surely be missed by many. Stanley enjoyed watching war movies which didn't surprise anyone. He didn't have a favorite one for he said they all told their own story. Earlier on, Stanley enjoyed Nascar racing and attended many races at Louden New Hampshire. His favorite baseball team, sorry Red Sox fans, were the Yankees. But what Stanley enjoyed the most, was watching TV with his wife Barbara which he so adored her! They watched their favorite shows for hours at a time and just enjoyed each other's company. Stanley and Barbara celebrated their 68th Wedding Anniversary back in April of this year. They have years of memories, love and affection to last a lifetime. Stanley is survived by his loving wife, Barbara (Baj) Strempek of Easthampton, his son Edward Strempek, his daughter, Debra Strempek both of Belchertown, granddaughter, Ashley Strempek, great granddaughters, Madison and Makenzie Taylor, and great-great grandson, Tatum all of Ucansville, CT. He also leaves his sister In- Law Anne Szafranowicz, nephews John, Danny and Jason Szafranowicz, and predeceased by niece Laurie Szafranowicz. He was also predeceased by his brother Walter Strempek. The family would like to thank Cooley Dickenson Hospital for their extraordinary measures on taking care of Stanley during his illness and to Baystate Hospice for assisting with his homecare needs. Special thanks to Aubree his Hospice nurse who treated dad with ultimate respect and dignity. There will be a graveside service with Military Honors on August 22, 2025, at 1 PM at Holy Rosary Cemetery in Hadley. DROZDAL FUNERAL HOME OF NORTHAMPTON HAS BEEN ENTRUSTED WITH HIS SERVICES. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to, Wounded Warrior Project PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516, or Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attn: Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607. For more information or to leave the family a personal condolence, please visit Drozdalfuneralhome.com.