William E. Sowa

William E. Sowa obituary, Westfield, MA

William E. Sowa

William Sowa Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 8, 2025.
William E. Sowa born September 23, 1940, was called home by our Lord to join his wife Rita L. (Daviau) Sowa on April 16, 2025. Bill grew up in Holyoke's Ward 4. Son of Bolek and Veronica Sowa, and sister to Maryann (Sowa) Radon. A communicant of Mater Dolorosa Church, he attended St. Jerome Catholic High School. Bill, a Coast Guard veteran, served 4 years as a medic in Alaska, and Bermuda. Soon after his service he married his sweetheart Rita Daviau in 1963. Bill went on to work as a chemical process engineer and is named on U.S. patents. He graduated from UMass with a Degree in Business. He loved a good game of basketball and pool. Later he developed a love of woodworking, many of his works live on with family and friends. He leaves two children Christoper William Sowa and Kathleen Marie (Sowa) Henderson, two grandchildren Vince and Brian Henderson, son in law Stephen Henderson, and his sister Maryann Radon. His nieces and nephews and many family and friends will miss his smile and the twinkle in his eyes. The funeral will be held Monday, May 12, 2025 at 10:30am from the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, Holyoke followed by a Mass at 11:15am in Saint Mary's Church, Bartlett Street, Westfield. Committal will Military Honors will be held at 1:00pm in the Chapel of the Massachusetts Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam. Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on Monday morning from 9:00 to 10:30am.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign William Sowa's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 12, 2025

Mark Radon planted trees.

May 11, 2025

Ron Jendrysik posted to the memorial.

May 9, 2025

Bob and Sandy Pratt , 95 Glenwood Drive posted to the memorial.

4 Entries

Single Memorial Tree

Mark Radon

Planted Trees

Ron Jendrysik

May 11, 2025

Kathy, Chris,
Our condolences to you both. Know that Uncle Billy is in a better place again with Aunt Rita and so many others from our extended family. Peace and love to you both and your loved ones.
~The Jendrysik family

Bob and Sandy Pratt , 95 Glenwood Drive

May 9, 2025

Bill was a wonderful neighbor who was always willing to help. He would plow out the driveway anytime we had a big storm. He also helped us with repairs. We´re so sorry for your loss. He was a caring person and he will be missed. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Bob and Sandy Pratt

Jill Roberts Chmiel

May 9, 2025

Chris & Kathleen,
Condolences to you all, may Bill & Rita Rest in peace together again. My family and I lived at 36 Spring across from Mrs. Hines. I have many fond memories from those days.

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home

2049 Northampton Street, Holyoke, MA 01040

Make a Donation
in William Sowa's name

How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor William Sowa's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign William Sowa's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 12, 2025

Mark Radon planted trees.

May 11, 2025

Ron Jendrysik posted to the memorial.

May 9, 2025

Bob and Sandy Pratt , 95 Glenwood Drive posted to the memorial.