Karol F. (Charlie) Szostkiewicz, 87, passed away peacefully at home on November 6, 2018. The son of Jan and Caroline (Styback) Szostkiewicz, he was raised and lived in Holyoke for much of his life but called South Hadley home for the last 22 years. Charlie leaves his beloved wife of 61 years Gail (Graf), his loving children and their families Sharon Szostkiewicz, Mark and Lori Szostkiewicz, Matt and Lyn Szostkiewicz, Beth and Mike Craven and Andrea and Ted Shapiro.
He will be greatly missed by his 17 grandchildren Elyse, Jeffrey, Kiki, Corinn, Marisa, Kayley, Will, Olivia, Luke, Georgia, Ally, Brianna, Stephanie, Nolan, Naethan, Raegan, and Talyn. Charlie was predeceased by his siblings, Helen, Joseph, Daniel and Natalie and leaves behind many nieces and nephews. A graduate of Mater Dolorosa, Holyoke High School and Monson Academy, Charlie was a lifelong athlete and sports enthusiast and lettered in basketball, soccer and baseball.
At 20, Charlie volunteered for the Navy and served from 1951-1955 as a Navy Medic in the Korean War attached to the 1st Marine Division. For 35 years Charlie owned and operated the Holyoke Bowl-O-Drome and ran leagues from youth to senior citizens. He hosted the Western Mass “Lets-Go-Bowling” show and was a president of the Western Mass Bowling Association.
He was also part-owner of Advance Offset and Graph Coat in Holyoke. A lifelong member of Mater Dolorosa Church, Charlie volunteered much of his time for golf tournaments and spaghetti suppers. Most recently he had been very active with the Mater Dolorosa Preservation Society of Holyoke.
He was also a member of Holy Name Society. Charlie was a passionate and much respected soccer coach and worked with Holyoke Youth soccer, Holyoke High School soccer and various club teams. He also found time to coach baseball and various South Hadley Ligers teams.
Charlie was a well-known fixture and biggest fan at his grandchildren’s games and events and loved nothing more than spending time with his family. He was always available to those who needed him and was routinely sought out for advice by family and friends alike. If he had any free time, Charlie enjoyed woodworking and country rides with his wife.
He loved his Polish heritage and celebrating Christmas with his family. Love forever, Gail. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial for Charlie on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Patrick’s Church, Main Street, South Hadley.
Burial will follow at Mater Dolorosa Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Friday, November 9th from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, Holyoke. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
One Bulfinch Place, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02114 or boston@massri. wish.org.
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