Robert Rzewnicki

Southwick, MA-Robert Rzewnicki, 77, passed away at the Holyoke Soldiers' Home on Thursday, August 14, 2014. Bob was born in Chicopee, the son of the late Edward A. and Valeria (Kulpa) Rzewnicki. He graduated from Chicopee High School in 1953 and then honorably served in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict. After his military service, Bob worked at Boeing Aircraft, Combustion Engineering and Birken Manufacturing. For over 30 years, he served his community and its' youth through Boy Scouts. In his leadership role as Scout Master and District Commissioner, Bob was instrumental in the lives of countless boys. His hobbies included adding to his collectibles of Department 56 New England Series and Danbury Mint Lighthouse Series. He was an avid listener of classic music and his soul was renewed when sitting at the Rhode Island shore. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Springfield. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Edward Jr. and Stanley Rzewnicki, and his sister-in-law, Claire. Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Beverly (Southmayd) Gorman; his sister-in-law Gail Vivian; sister in law Doris Rzewnicki: his children, Robert Rzewnicki and his wife, Victoria, Philip Rzewnicki and his wife, Becky, Michael Rzewnicki and his wife, Terry, Pamela Metcalf, and Peter Rzewnicki and his wife, Cheryl; his children by marriage, Daniel Gorman, Kathleen Guevin Whitworth and Kristine Gorman; his grandchildren, Heather, Brad, Justine, Megan, Scott, Jeffrey, Joshua, Philip, Martin and Matthew; his great-grandchildren, Mackenzie and Owen; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved pet cats, Poncho and Jessie. Calling hours for Bob will be held on Sunday, August 24th from 2-5 PM at Southwick Forastiere Funeral Home, 624 College Highway, Southwick, MA. A funeral service will be held on Monday, August 25th at Trinity United Methodist Church, 361 Sumner Ave., Springfield, MA at 9:15 AM. A burial will follow in the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, Agawam, MA at 11 AM with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society, PO Box 6307, Springfield, MA 01101. For more information, please visit www.forastierefuneralhome.com