Frank J. Gubala

It is with a heavy heart that the family of Frank J. Gubala, 93, of Holyoke, MA, announces his passing into eternal life on July 18, 2022. Frank was born in Wilbraham, MA on May 23, 1929, son of the late Leon J. and Victoria (Legarski) Gubala. Educated in Springfield Public Schools, he was a gradate of Springfield Trade School. He entered the US Army on June 24, 1946 and was discharged on April 4, 1949, serving his country in Japan. When he returned home, Frank met the love of his life, Muriel Geoffroy, whom he married on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1953. He worked at Spalding Manufacturing for 16 years. He was a very accomplished pitcher in their Fast Pitch softball league, and brought Spalding to many championships. Frank’s nickname was the “Springfield Rifle” because he had such a fastball. He received his Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice after taking classes at Holyoke Community College and Springfield Technical Community College. Frank then became a member of the Holyoke Police Department in 1963, and retired in 1994; he loved his job as a police officer. In 1970 he received a commendation from the Holyoke Police Relief Association for service above and beyond the call of duty. He was an avid golfer and was a member of Southampton Country Club for many years. He was also a member of Holyoke Elks Lodge #902. Above all, Frank was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His family was the most important part if his life; time spent with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren brought him the greatest joy. He was a people person and was extremely quick witted. He was always known for telling many jokes which would make anyone (including strangers) laugh- everyone loved his sense of humor. Frank leaves behind his loving wife of 69 years, Muriel (Geoffroy) Gubala; his five children: son Paul Gubala and his wife Lynette, daughter Gail Griffin and her husband David, daughter Susan Devlin and her husband Mark, son David Gubala and his wife Mary, and daughter Donna Saletnik and her husband Steven; his twelve devoted grandchildren: Matthew, Mark, Melanie, David, Geoffrey, Kelly, Kevin, Sean, Erin, Robert, Jessica, and Daniel, and his eleven beloved great-grandchildren: Brennan, Patrick, Blake, Aiden, Alex, Isaiah, Elijah, David, Lilly, Harrison, and Hazel, as well as several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, his is predeceased by his brother, Mitchell Gubala and his wife Madelyn, and his sister, Dominica Ferrera and her husband John. The family wishes to thank the staff at the Holyoke Soldiers Home for their care of and devotion to Frank. His smile, jokes, stories, and always-present sense of humor will be missed by many. The funeral will be held on Thursday, July 28th at 10:00 am from the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am at Our Lady of the Cross Parish Church, Holy Cross Avenue, both Holyoke. Committal with Military Honors will follow at 1:00 pm in the Chapel of the MA Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam. Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, July 27th from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Therapeutic Equestrian Center, 537 Northampton Street, Holyoke, MA 01040-9515