Michael J. Polansky

October 10, 1949 - May 16, 2011
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Obituary

Michael J. Polansky 61, passed away peacefully surrounded by many good friends at Mercy Medical Center on Monday May 16th. Born in Springfield to the late Alexander and Ava (Nute) Polansky, he served his country honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam conflict. Upon his return from overseas service, Mike continued his education receiving a B.S. in Physical Education from Westfield State College and an Associate of arts degree from Holyoke Community College. Mike then began his career in 1978 at the West Springfield Boys and Girls Club, as a program director, becoming Executive Director in 1984 at age 35. On becoming Executive Director Mike faced many challenges, financially the club was operating in the red, the building was in need of repairs and the landscaping barren. In typical Selfless fashion Mike overcame these challenges by creating revenue streams and physically performing many of the repairs. The 1987 “Everybody’s Neighborhood House” campaign, Annual Golf Outing and the 1996 Purchase of Moseley Arms to name a few. Mike also was a past member of the W.Spld Booster’s Club and Director of the W.Spld Lions Club. A talented all-around athlete, the Cincinnati Reds showed keen interest in his ability as a pitcher, he also coached many youth sports. Mike had a lifelong love of the game of Golf, for many years a member at Shaker Farms CC and past President of Ludlow CC. All those to have the pleasure of playing Golf with Mike will cherish the memory of his ability to turn a phrase “What was That”, “You Got No Shot” as well as a golf ball. Michael is survived by many extended family members and friends. Funeral services celebrating his life will be Saturday May 21 with family and friends gathering at the Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home 64 Sewall St. Ludlow at 10 AM, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial in Christ the King Church 41 Warsaw Avenue Ludlow at 11 AM. Rites of committal with Military Honors will follow is Island Pond Cemetery. Visiting hours will be Friday May 20 from 4-7 PM.

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Service Schedule

Service Information

Funeral services celebrating his life will be Saturday May 21 with family and friends gathering at the Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home 64 Sewall St. Ludlow at 10 AM, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial in Christ the King Church 41 Warsaw Avenue Ludlow at 11 AM. Rites of committal with Military Honors will follow is Island Pond Cemetery. Visiting hours will be Friday May 20 from 4-7 PM.

Island Pond Cemetery
Center Street
Ludlow, MA 1056

Christ the King Catholic Church
41 Warsaw Avenue
Ludlow, MA 1056


 

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Timeline for Michael J. Polansky

Born: October 10, 1949
Died: May 16, 2011

Condolences for Michael J. Polansky

Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home

Our sincere condolences.

The staff of Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home.

 

Tim Rooney posted on 5/19/11

I have known Michael since we were both 7 years old playing little league baseball. Any time I have thought about Michael over the years, a smile always came to my face. I remember four hour wiffle ball games at his house, blind mans bluff, bike rides to Millers Dairy for a Hortense Special, Christ the King baseball and the Cinderella Kids, his dog Moxie, his loud but loving Dad, high school car rides, his great touch on the piano, his visits to Ohio, golf trips to Vermont and long talks on the phone about the Red Sox and Celtics. Michael traveled the road less traveled and he was my good friend and I will miss him

 

tom whiston nyc posted on 5/19/11

For 48 years the thought of you has always, without exception, made me smile. You were one of a kind my friend . I will miss you and your mischief .

 

Mike Flanagan posted on 5/24/11

I can't recall the names of many Jr. High School teachers I had back in the day but I certainly could never forget my Suburban basketball coach Mike Polansky. He was the 1st coach I had that actually treated us like adults (which we were far from). He was extremely hard on us and was a stickler for details. I appreciated his dedication to the team and the sense of fairness that he showed. This was back in the day when away games meant getting dropped off at the Boys & Girls club and filing into a van that Mike drove all over Western Mass. Funny story: We were all addicted to the Space Invaders game at the club. Polansky screams for everyone to get in the van to go to a game. We are missing one player after counting heads in the car. Polansky is clearly annoyed and hunts down the culprit playing Space Invaders and nearing a high score. An argument ensues after pleading to post the top score. As soon as this happens, Polansky rips the power cord out of the wall and says as only he can, Get in the van. Mike - You will be missed by many. Thanks for all the memories.

 

mary posted on 9/2/11

just heard of Mikes passing today,,,Im in shock,Im so sad,he was such a great guy and sadly be missed,,, Mary

 

mary posted on 9/2/11

Just heard of Mikes passing..Im so sorry,,Im so sad,Im still in shock,,he was trueling an amazing guy.. Mary

 

mary posted on 9/2/11

Just heard of Mikes passing..Im so sorry,,Im so sad,Im still in shock,,he was trueling an amazing guy.. Mary

 

mary posted on 9/2/11

Just heard of Mikes passing..Im so sorry,,Im so sad,Im still in shock,,he was trueling an amazing guy.. Mary

 

mary posted on 9/2/11

Just heard of Mikes passing..Im so sorry,,Im so sad,Im still in shock,,he was trueling an amazing guy.. Mary

 

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