Rev. John C. Chwalek, 95

ADAMS, Mass. — The Rev. John C. Chwalek, retired Pastor of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, Adams, died Friday, March 9, 2018, at the age of 95.

He was born in Ludlow, Mass., on October 7, 1922, a son of the late John and Anna (Chrzan) Chwalek. He graduated from Cathedral High School in Springfield, and then from St. Anselm's College, Manchester, N.H. He then entered the Grand Seminary in Montreal, Canada, where he pursued his priestly studies in philosophy and theology. He was ordained a Priest of the Diocese of Springfield on January 24, 1948, by the late Most Rev. Thomas M. O'Leary, DD, then Bishop of Springfield. He celebrated 70 years as a priest this past January 24.

Following his ordination, Fr. Chwalek was assigned as an assistant pastor at Holy Rosary Parish, Hadley, Sacred Heart Parish, Easthampton, and Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Springfield. He was assigned as an assistant pastor at St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish, Adams, in 1966, at which time he began his 36 years of ministry there. He was named Pastor of St. Stanislaus Kostka in 1970, and embarked on a pastorate which saw many improvements to the church, school and cemetery properties, including a major renovation of the Church for the 75th Anniversary of the Parish in 1977, the conversion of the church basement to the Kolbe Hall parish center, the establishment of the Shadow of the Cross grotto at St. Stanislaus Cemetery and the Polanka picnic pavilion.

He retired as pastor of St. Stanislaus on August 15, 2002, and retired to his beloved home in Windsor, where he grew acres of blueberries that he sold, the proceeds of which he sent to various charities for the less fortunate. He had also served for a term on the Diocesan Building Commission.   

He is survived by his brother-in-law, Edward G. Perlak of Ludlow, Mass.; as well as several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

He was predeceased by his three brothers, including Rt. Rev. Msgr. Charles Chwalek, Edward Chwalek and Valentine Chwalek; and by his four sisters, including Helen Perlak, Rosalie Kairys, Sr. Mary Regina, CSSF, and Sr. Mary Laurette, CSSF.

Funeral notice: Fr. Chwalek will lie in repose at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, 25 Hoosac St., Adams, Sunday, March 11, 2018, where all are invited to calling hours from 3 to 6 p.m. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 12, 2018, at 11:30 a.m. in St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, celebrated by Most Rev. Mitchell T. Rozanski, Bishop of Springfield.

Burial will follow in the Chwalek family lot in St. Aloysius Cemetery, Indian Orchard. At Fr. Chwalek's request, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Stanislaus School, 108 Summer St. Adams, MA 01220. The Paciorek Funeral Home, 13 Hoosac St. Adams, is directing arrangements.