WESTFIELD: Lawrence A. Strycharz, 68, died Monday, May 24th at Baystate Noble Hospital. He was born on January 21, 1953 in Westfield to the late Louis and Veronica (Labucki) Strycharz. A lifelong resident, Larry attended local schools and was a 1971 graduate of Westfield High School. He attended Bridgton Academy, received an Associate Degree in Fire Science from STCC, and a Bachelors in Criminal Justice from Westfield State in 1995 and was a member of the Elks, Slovak Club, and the American Legion Post 124. He was a firefighter/EMT for the Westfield Fire Department from 1986 until his retirement in 2011, as well as an original member of the District Four HAZMAT team. In both his work and personal life, Larry was always the first to volunteer his time, energy, and life-of-the-party attitude. He was an avid fisherman and played hockey, baseball, and softball.
Larry leaves his favorite “first” wife of 44 years, Deborah A. (Bailey) Strycharz, his daughters Jaclyn Powers and her husband Michael of Charlestown, MA, Kaitlin Mastorakis and her husband Dimitri of Manchester, CT. He also leaves three grandchildren, Fiona and Margaux Powers, and Lucy Mastorakis, two brothers, Robert and Jeffrey Strycharz both of Westfield, his mother-in-law Joan Bailey of Lenox, an uncle, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Calling hours will be Friday, May 28th, 4-7 P.M. at Firtion-Adams Funeral Service. The funeral will be held on Saturday, May 29th at 10:00 in St. Peter’s/St. Casimir’s Parish, 34 State St., Westfield, MA. Burial will follow in Pine Hill Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Westfield Athenaeum. firtionadams.com
