WEST SPRINGFIELD – Vincent F. Rakowicz passed away on April 14, 2013 in West Springfield surrounded by family. Vincent was born in Tykocin, Poland on December 12, 1924, one of four siblings born to Ksawery and Franciszka (Grabowska) Rakowicz.
Vincent attended schools in Poland, After World War II, Vincent, a holocaust survivor, came to reside in Windsor Locks, CT where he became employed by the C.H. Dexter Company for the next 35 years. In 1958, Vincent married Nellie L. Grimaldi of Noble St in Westfield. Throughout their marriage they enjoyed extensive vacations in Europe, the United States, Canada and the Middle East. Vincent and Nellie enjoyed polish dancing and may be seen in several videos on local TV.
Nellie predeceased him in 1997. Since 2000, Vincent resided in Chicopee, MA and was a communicant of St. Rose DeLima church. Vincent leaves several nieces and nephews, including niece, Antoinette Mancini who was his caretaker. Vincent was a member of the Chicopee Falls Polish Home Association on Grove St. Vincent will be remembered for his love of gardening and taking pride in his vegetables and flowers. The family wishes to thank Jeane Keliher and the staff at Country Estates of Agawam and Bay State Hospice. Funeral arrangements are by the Robert E Cusack Funeral Home in Westfield. Honoring Vincent’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. Family and friends will meet at St. Mary’s Church, 30 Bartlett Street in Westfield for Mass on Friday, April 19th at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice or to the church.
