Henry A. Paszko

LANCASTER: Henry A. "Hank" Paszko, 91, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 13, 2023 in his home, surrounded by neighbors, friends, and his loving family.
Hank is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Ann B. (Morrill) Paszko; his children, Paul Paszko and Jane Paszko. He is also survived by his first cousin, Barbara Shepard of Easthampton; second cousins, Emily Fitzgerald and Joan Rush of Southampton, Shirley Anop of Chicopee, and Carol Watling of Westfield; his brother-in-law Robert Morrill of North Port, FL and a niece, Meg Morrill of Agawam. He was predeceased by his brother, Edward Paszko.
Hank was born in Holyoke, son of the late George and Julia (Lawnicki) Paszko. He graduated from Holyoke High School, Class of 1949 and also attended Monson Academy. Following graduation from high school, Hank proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and was an Airman First Class. Upon return, he graduated from Wentworth Institute of Technology and Worcester Junior College.
Hank worked as a Master Technician at the General Radio Company for 35 years, retiring as a Group Leader and Calibration Control Supervisor. He received several certifications for his Quality Control from the American Society of Quality Control, Worcester Section. He was the finance officer with the American Legion Post 96 of Lancaster, and a former member of the Model T Club of America. He was a parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church.
Hank and his wife Ann were very active in advocacy for those with developmental disabilities and their guardians. They were awarded a Distinguished Service Award on behalf of the Perkins School and Adult Elder Services on June 9, 2010. Hank and his wife Ann were also awarded Distinguished Citizen Awards by the Arc of Massachusetts on September 16, 2010, at the State House for their dedication and leadership in advancing opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Hank and Ann were members of the DMR's North Central Citizen's Advisory Board for several years.
Hank was a member of the Lancaster Historical Society. He was part of a group of citizens who restored the historic town markers in his greenhouses. He was also a member of the Lancaster Memorial Day Committee for many years and the Lancaster Veterans Memorial Committee, where he was part of the proof-reading of names, in 2006, on the War Memorial Monuments at the Lancaster Common. He received a State Senate Official Citation and a House of Representatives Citation for his dedication on the Lancaster Council on Aging.
Hank enjoyed spending time on the golf course with his golf buddies. He would often play in tournaments, including the Wentworth Institute Alumni Champions, Autism Resource Central and Perkins Annual Golf Tournament. He was known for his plants and herbs and helped to organize several local farmers' markets. He was known as "The Glad Man" and grew up to 25,000 gladiolus every year in the 90's. His glads graced the halls at the Bayard Thayer mansion in Lancaster for many years. His farm, Herbal Acres, was the place to go for Italian basil. One of his donated greenhouses still stands on the grounds of the RFK Community Alliance Campus. He also collected all kinds of clocks, antique radios, antique cars and electronics. He was a history buff who enjoyed reading about local folklore, watching war movies, and westerns. Big Band and original Country music would help his plants grow in the greenhouses. You would often catch him at the canteen lunch on Thursdays at Clear Path for Vets at Devens.
Calling hours will be held from 1:00 until 3:00 PM on Saturday, April 29, 2023, in the Philbin-Comeau Funeral Home, 176 Water Street, Clinton. A prayer service will be held at 2PM in the funeral home. Following calling hours, Words of Remembrance by family and friends will begin at 3PM. Burial will be held privately. Online condolences may be placed at www.philbincomeaufh.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Henry A. Paszko may be made to: The American Legion Post 96, P.O Box 96, Lancaster, MA 01523, and/or to the RFK Community Alliance, 971 Main Street, Lancaster 01523.