Richard J. "Rick" Baranoski Sr.

1951 - 2016

SOUTH DEERFIELD - Richard "Rick" J. Baranoski Sr., 65, of 22 Stillwater Road, South Deerfield, died unexpectedly Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, in Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield.

He was born April 8,1951, in Northampton, the son of Frank J. and Lucy A. (Zuron) Baranoski. He was educated in Deerfield schools and graduated from Smith Vocational High School in Northampton.

He was married to Deborah Lovett in Springfield on Dec. 28, 1968. All their married life was spent in Deerfield. Rick first worked for Hosley Brothers Garage and later opened his own repair shop in 1981 called Rick's Auto Repair.

Besides his wife Deborah of South Deerfield, he leaves one son, Richard "Deek" Baranoski with whom he worked, and his wife Kristi of South Deerfield; one daughter Wendy Swasey and her husband Robert of South Deerfield; seven grandchildren, Lindsay Bergeron and husband Derek, Kimberleigh Howe and husband Jake, Chelsea and Stephanie Swasey, and Cameron, Cole and Ava Baranoski; three brothers, Frank J. Baranoski Jr. and David Baranoski and his wife Carol all of South Deerfield, and Thomas Baranoski and his wife Donna of Athol; one sister, Diane Clough and her husband Dale of Northfield; and nieces and nephews.

He was a former member of the South Deerfield Polish American Citizens' Club. As a hobby he enjoyed gardening. "Ja" was a family man through and through. He loved spending time with his wife Deb, whether it was going shopping or just going for a drive and being together. One of his favorite things to do was to spend time with his seven grandchildren. He was at every game the grandkids ever played in, cheering them on from the sidelines. He could be seen every morning and night walking his beloved dog Sasha and waving to people going by.

Funeral services will be held Monday, Oct. 17, at 9:45 a.m. from the Wrisley Funeral Home, Sugarloaf Street, South Deerfield, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in Holy Family Church with Fr. Jonathan Reardon, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Mill River Cemetery, South Deerfield. Calling hours will be held Sunday, Oct. 16, from 4 to 7 p.m.

Donations in his memory may be made to the South County Ambulance Fund, 8 Conway St., South Deerfield, MA 01373, or to the South Deerfield Fire Department, Greenfield Road, South Deerfield, MA 01373.

Expressions of sympathy are available at www.wrisleyfuneralhome.com.

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