ADAMS, Mass. — Patrick Matthew Kustra, 47, formerly of Adams, died peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, after courageously facing the challenges of an aggressive cancer. 

Patrick was born in Adams, Aug. 16, 1978, a son of Mark A. Kustra and Donna M. Meczywor. A 1997 graduate of Hoosac Valley High School, he went on to study chemistry, biology and art—attending college, he would note with a smile, on the 12-year plan.  

Living life truly on his own terms, kind and generous, Patrick was a steadfast and non-judgmental friend to many, with a quick sense of humor and a strong appreciation for irony. He was foremost a life-long learner, possessing a childlike wonder for the natural world. Patrick found joy and fascination in all living things every day of his life, and his hands-on pursuit was accompanied by hundreds—likely thousands—of lacerations, nips, bites and stings, providing his mother with decades of alarm.  From childhood, he shared his home with every manner of critter, from tarantulas to turtles and snakes to skinks, which oftentimes terrorized unsuspecting guests. 

In addition to several years as a carpenter, Patrick worked as a research assistant, radio-tracking turtles and rattlesnakes for the Nature Conservancy and banding migrating hawks for the State University of New York. A career high point was field-training a PhD intern and supplementing his student's textbook studies with real-life practical experience, including spotting and (thereafter, at least) avoiding the occasional swampy quagmire. He relished sharing his vast environmental knowledge with others, and delighted in exploring nature with his young nieces, Evelyn Cawley and Elena Kustra. 

Patrick was a talented artist in many mediums, including wire art and graphics, as well as chainsaw sculpting and other carving techniques. A true MacGyver-type, he could fashion an anatomically accurate human hand form using wire pulled from an old electric motor and routinely extracted both art and utility from all manner of found items. Patrick enjoyed gaming and loved reading, often about astronomy and natural sciences, but above all spending time with his many friends and large, close-knit family. 

In addition to his mother Donna (Nick Noyes), Patrick is survived by his sister, Wendy K. Cawley (Matthew) of Jacksonville, FL; his brother, David M. Kustra (Annie) of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; his aunts, Ann Tierney (Philip) of Pittsfield, Christine Delmolino of Cheshire, Susan Kustra and uncle Michael “Biff” Kustra of Cheshire; his uncles, Walter “Wadz” Meczywor (Donna) of Shippensburg, PA; Todd Meczywor (Jane) of Pittsfield; and Stephen Meczywor (Danielle Senecal) of Adams; along with his two dear nieces and several cousins. He also leaves behind his beloved Siamese cat, Covie. The family would like to thank HospiceCare in The Berkshires for their outstanding care and extraordinary compassion in Patrick's final days. 

The family will gather to hold a private celebration of Patrick's life.