WESTFIELD – William J. Szalankiewicz, 86, of Westfield, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 9th at Grant Medical Center in Columbus OH after a long battle with heart disease. William was a lifelong resident of Westfield MA and moved to Florida with his wife to retire. He was born in Easthampton MA and was a graduate of Smith Vocational School in Northampton where he earned a degree in Electrical studies; he then went on to attain his Masters Electricians License. Before retiring William had a career co-running a business, B&M Electric, with his son Mark and eventually his grandson Dan. But above all, Bill was a man that loved his family and enjoyed to travel with his wife Eleanor until her passing in 2015. Bill was an avid gardener, who enjoyed being outside and could usually be found puttering around his garden or tinkering on something in his garage. Bill was a member of the Pulaski Club as well as a member of the Knights of Columbus.
He is survived and dearly missed by his three children, his son Kevin Szalankiewicz and his wife Linda of Westfield, his daughter Karen Lanouette and her husband Phil of Westfield, his son Mark Szalankiewicz and his wife Beth and her children Libby and Grace of Holden MA. His beloved four grandchildren, Dan, Kyle, Michael and Rachel Szalankiewicz. He also leaves behind his sister Dolores (Szalankiewicz) Irwin and her Husband Jim of Stratford CT, his brother Bob and his wife Mary of Easthampton, his friend Marlene of Florida, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Bill was predeceased by his wife Eleanor (Pasterczyk) and his parents William and Beatrice (Redican) Szalankiewicz.
The funeral for William will be held on December 15th at Firtion-Adams Funeral Home, 76 Broad Street, Westfield. Calling Hours will be held on December 15th from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. with a service following at the funeral Home. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dana Farber institute or the American heart Association in his name. Firtionadams.com
