Charles J. Sakowicz

Chicopee, MA — Charles Joseph Sakowicz was born in Whately, MA on March 30, 1926 to Bertha (Wojick) and Joseph Sakowicz and died peacefully in Holyoke on July 10, 2021. He attended Deerfield Schools and enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17 to fight in WW II. He was a true patriot and a gunner on the carrier USS Franklin which was attacked by Japanese bombers. Charlie was featured in the book “American Veterans.” After returning home, he married Florence (Whitaker) now deceased, in 1948 in Greenfield and together they raised three children: Gary (Geri), David (Shirley), Sandra Laude (Paul).

He worked in sales for the Millers Falls Tool Co. and retired from Erving Paper Mill. Charlie enjoyed swimming, woodworking, reading National Geographic magazines as well as watching old westerns on TV.

Charles was predeceased by his second wife Katherine (Sliva-Gates). He most recently resided in Chicopee with his latest wife Kathleen (Stoudenmeyer). Charles is survived by his three children, and a stepson John Gates. He leaves a legacy of eight grandchildren: Laura, Rebecca, Debby, Jennifer, Jeff, Taml, Christina, Michael and a step granddaughter Gail. Additionally, he leaves 21 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Charles will be on Friday (07/16/2021) at 12:00 noon at Wrisley Funeral Home, 90 Sugarloaf Street, South Deerfield, with Fr. Philippe Roux officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, South Deerfield. There will be a time of visitation with family preceding the service, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Expression of Sympathy available at www.wrisleyfuneralhome.com.

Published by The Recorder on Jul. 14, 2021.