Myron (Medie) Czerapowicz, 96, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 10, 2016, at Saratoga Hospital in Saratoga Springs, NY. A lifelong resident of Southwick, MA, he moved to Ballston Lake, NY in 2008 with his wife Betty to live with their daughter Dianne and son-in-law Tony Tvarkunas.
Born on May 19, 1920, in Northampton, MA, he was the son of Walter and Mary (Sycz) Czerapowicz and one of eight children. Myron was predeceased by his parents and his sisters Eva and Helen and his brothers Steve, Joe, Chet, and Eddie.
Myron was educated in parochial and public schools in Florence and Northampton.He entered the U.S. Army on January 4, 1943, and served as a radio operator (T-5) in the 204th Field Artillery Battalion of the Third Army in Germany and France. He was awarded a Bronze Star and Purple Heart for “meritorious service in connection with military operations against the enemy” near Metz, France, on November 14, 1944. Although wounded by mortar fragments in this engagement, he went forward with the attacking infantry, carrying his 80-pound radio pack and aiding wounded infantrymen when his radio was destroyed by enemy fire.
Myron returned from the war in October of 1945 and married Betty Hollister on December 26, 1945, in Northampton. In 1953 they moved to Southwick where they raised their two daughters, Karen and Dianne, and helped out on the farm. Myron worked at the American Bosch in Springfielduntil his retirement in 1983. After his retirement, he enjoyed playing golf with his buddies and volunteering his time with Betty at the Southwick Congregational Church and the Meals on Wheels program. They both had fun participating in events at the Southwick Senior Center, playing cards with their friends, and visiting with their grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Myron is survived by his two daughters, Dianne Tvarkunas and her husband Tony of Ballston Lake, NY and Karen Schuster and her husband Peter of Newmarket NH; his sister Carol Czerapowicz of Northampton; three grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Betty, in 2012 and by his grandson, Eric Schuster, in 1998.
A visiting hour will be held at the Southwick Forastiere Funeral Home, 624 College Highway, Southwick, on Tuesday, November 15thfrom 10:00 -11:00 am, immediately followed by a funeral home ceremony at 11:00 am, and a graveside service with Military Honors at New Cemetery.
It was Myron’s wish that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or a charity of one’s choice. To leave a message for the family, please sign the online guestbook at www.forastiere.com
