SOUTHWICK – Walter J. “Walt” Rapacki, 83, a resident of this town for 64 years, passed away Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, surrounded by his loving family after a 6 year courageous battle with Parkinson’s, Disease. Born & educated in Suffield, CT, Walter was the son of the late Walter & Pauline (Niski) Rapacki, and was a graduate of Suffield High School. Walter was a production planner for Hamilton Standard Co. of CT., retiring after 32 years of employment. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and was a member of the Southwick American Legion, #338. He was formerly very active in the Southwick Little League Organization, and enjoyed gardening, woodworking, and traveling.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary R. (Solek) Rapacki; two sons, W. Steven Rapacki and his wife Deborah of Agawam, MA and John C. Rapacki and his wife Jacqueline of Willoughby, OH; a daughter, MaryAnn Arce and her husband Dr. Roberto of Miami, FL; a brother, Stanley Rapacki of Westbrook, CT; six grandchildren, Kristin, Scott, Daniel, Matthew, Julianne & Jackson, and six great-grandchildren, Nicole, Ariana, Kevin, Matthew, Emilie & Jeffrey.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 20th at 10:00 a.m. at the Southwick-Forastiere Funeral Home, 624 College Highway, Southwick, MA. Burial will follow in New Cemetery. Family & friends may gather at the funeral home on Thursday, June 19th from 5:00-8:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Southwick Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 532 Southwick, MA 01077.
www.forastierefuneralhome.com
