John P Pitoniak

John P. Pitoniak, 93, died peacefully on April 30 at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home. He was born on the farm in Westfield and lived there for most of his life. He was a veteran of World War II as his three brothers were and managed to juggle a dairy farm with full-time work driving a rubbish truck for the Health Department for twenty-five years. He was a communicant of St. Peter and St. Casimir Parish and a member of the St. Stephen Society. Johnny loved farming and had a keen sense of the land, including wildlife. He was a true steward of his land. He was happy to preserve his entire 113-acre dairy farm on Northwest Road through a combination of state and local farm preservation programs. Johnny loved hockey, whether it was the Boston Bruins or Springfield Thunderbirds. The sports section of his daily paper was always on top. He was predeceased by his parents, Baltazar and Elizabeth Pitoniak, and several siblings: Annie Moriarty, Jenny Nomakeo, Thomas Pitoniak Sr., Stephen Pitoniak, and Joseph Pitoniak. He leaves his sister, Dorothy Taudel of Westfield, and many nieces and nephews. He dearly loved spending time with his fellow farmer Jimmy Gogal of Westfield. John’s family would like to thank the staff of the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home for taking such good care of him over the many years he lived there. There will be a private graveside service. Contributions may be made in John’s name to the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home, 110 Cherry Street, Holyoke, MA 01040.

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