John Waskiewicz II

JOHN WASKIEWICZ II

Hadley, MA - "The Junkman" 1962 – 2025

John C. Waskiewicz II, affectionately known as The Junkman, passed away unexpectedly on November 14, 2025, at the age of 63.

Born and raised in Hadley, John graduated from Smith Vocational High School in 1980. Even as a student, he worked hard-helping his father with the family rubbish business and often drove the rubbish truck to school so he could head straight to work afterward. At just 18 years old, he began his lifelong career serving the Town of Hadley-first with the highway department, later with the sewer department.

His dedication to his community extended beyond his work. John was a proud volunteer firefighter and served three terms as a town selectman. He especially loved town parades and cherished the tradition of driving the fire truck when Santa arrived in Hadley. He also gave generously of his time and personal resources to many organizations, including the Hadley Young Men's Club, The Hadley Mother's Club, the 4-H food booth at the Three County Fair, the Boy Scouts of Hadley, and Relay For Life-and, as his friends and family will tell you, to them most of all.

After retiring from the town he loved, John poured his energy into his scrap business. Outside of work, he enjoyed hunting, ice fishing, attending car shows and museums, and spending many years traveling to the Poconos for NASCAR racing. He delighted in bringing friends along for those trips, creating memories that were treasured by all. John also had a passion for cooking, often preparing meals at family gatherings-his favorite being the Fourth of July picnic, which was also his wife's birthday.

John was the kind of man who was always there with advice-whether you asked for it or not. He was quick to loan out tools and equipment, and if you needed the shirt off his back, he'd hand it over without hesitation, even if it had holes in it. Friends and family often joked that if you stopped by his garage, you'd leave with both a story and a borrowed wrench.

John was predeceased by his parents, John and Elsie Waskiewicz; his sister, Nancy Lee; and his father-in-law, Harry Lashway. He is survived by his beloved wife, Melissa Georgiadis; his five children, Dimitra (Alex) Theriault, Stephanos, Zoe, Irene (Stiven), and Jimmy; and his cherished grandson, Luca. He also leaves behind his siblings, Joyce Mazeski, Karen Cloutier, and Bob Waskiewicz; his mother-in-law, Irene Lashway; his sisters-in-law, Pam (Mike Powers) Lashway, Jennifer (Keith) Patenaude, and Jessica (Keith) West; as well as 18 nieces and nephews, 26 great-nieces and nephews, and many extended relatives.

In keeping with his wishes, there will be no formal services, and the funeral will be private. In lieu of a wake, family and friends are invited to share memories and raise a toast to celebrate John's life on Sunday, November 23, from 12–3 p.m. at the Young Men's Club in Hadley.

Czelusniak Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Please go to Czelusniakfuneralhome.com for online condolences and tribute book.