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Francis Gnatek Obituary
Hadley, MA — Francis "Bud" Andrew Gnatek, 67 of Hadley, MA passed away on March 2, 2022 in Dover, VT. Bud was born on March 22, 1954 in Northampton, MA. The son of Edward and Joanna (Szych) Gnatek. He attended Hopkins Academy, Williston School , and Lehigh University, where he studied engineering and was a member of Phi Delta Theta. Bud was a veteran of the United States Army and worked in engineering and management for Judd Wire for 33 years. He enjoyed rebuilding his 1962 Porsche 356, playing guitar, singing karaoke and running. Bud is survived by his wife, Gail Gnatek (Gilbertsen); children, Andrew Gnatek of Hadley, Daniel Gnatek (Cleo Zancope) of Easthampton, MA, and Katrina Gnatek (Georgi Evlogiev) of Berlin, Germany; grandchildren, August Gnatek and Griffen Gnatek; and siblings, Edward and James. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Joan Baj. Memorial donations in Bud's memory may be made to Operation Homefront, The Nature Conservatory, or the charity of your choice c/o Hanson-Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
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Memories and Condolences
for Francis Gnatek
Michael Briggs, RPh
November 2, 2024
Bud and I were in the same Army unit. We shared a birthday and so I have never forgotten him, and send my sincerest condolences to his family.
Sally (Sara) Muzyka
June 30, 2022
Wishing Gail & family, peace, comfort, courage, and love at this time of sorrow. My heart goes out to you all, at this difficult time. Buddy, rest in peace, my Cousin. Eternal life grant unto him, oh Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon him.
~Sally
(Ingrid) Joy Martindale
March 27, 2022
Deepest condolences to the family; I had been hoping to see Bud at the 50th reunion for the class of '72 Hopkins Academy. I pray that memories will provide peace to his loved ones.
William Szych
March 20, 2022
We grew up on opposite sides of a mighty river but family ties remained strong back in the day and we all thrived in that beautiful valley and lush farms.
A lasting memory is from 1973 when he and his rock band performed in front of the Hatfield Memorial Town Hall at a big street party. His guitar so loudly blaring out the riff from "Smoke On The Water" on a warm summers night. Magic!
I am so proud to call Bud a first cousin and so admire the man he became, the life he lived. May Bud Gnatek rest in eternal peace and perpetual light shine upon him.
Billy and Jan Szych
Champion, PA
Reynolds Winslow
March 15, 2022
My deepest condolences to you, Gail, and your family.
Kevin Ritter
March 12, 2022
Bud was on the Little League team my dad coached. He was the catcher and always had a smart comment. Drove the batters nuts. Hard to think about Bud without him suited up to get behind the plate.
Jason Logan
March 9, 2022
Gail, I´m so sorry for your loss. He truly was one of a kind and I´m lucky to have know him.
Wm. Cichanowicz
March 9, 2022
Sorry to hear of his passing. He will be missed.
Anne Hukowicz
March 9, 2022
Gail and family, so saddened for your loss. Deepest sympathies to all of you.
Janie (Rodak) Pasquel
March 8, 2022
Sending my deepest sympathy to Buddy's family and friends. Such a loss.
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