Antoni Kwapisinski

Antoni Kwapisinski 84 of Wilbraham, a member of the Greatest Generation died peacefully Wednesday March 2 in a Wilbraham nursing home, after a brief illness. Born in Lopuszno, Poland January 22, 1927 son of the late Kasmierz and Sophie (Piec) Kwapisinski. Forcefully taken from Poland at the age of 14 he was forced to work in hard labor, and sent to Auschwitz. When he became too ill to work he was left in a ditch to die. Found by American Soldiers, they helped over the next 17 months to nurse him back to good health. With the generous help of his sponsors Frank and Lottie Nietupski, Antoni, his wife Maria, and son Edmund came to America, arriving with just two suitcases. The Nietupski’s helped Antoni to find a job, lean the English language and gave them a place to live. Living in Wilbraham for the past 51 years, Antoni was a hard working man, at time holding 3 jobs to make a better life for his family. As a machinist he had worked at Chapman Valve, and later at Hampden Brass. Antoni and his family loved their vacation lake house in Vermont. He spent countless hours restoring the home. He was always active, and had many projects to keep him busy, at the age of 82 he decided to stop climbing ladders. He had a passion for trees, that is why he so loved Vermont. He was well know for his fruit trees and gardens. His fruit often made its way to local farm stands. He was also a lover of animals and would nurse injured animals back to health. He would often times enjoy sitting outside feeding the birds, and the birds would land inches away waiting to be fed. Proud of his Polish Heritage, he was a member of the Polish National Alliance Group 525 of Holyoke, was a member and past 32 year financial secretary for the Polish Citizen’s Club of Wilbraham. He was also a Communicant of Immaculate Conception Church. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 61 years, Maria (Lusek) Kwapisinski his daughter Helen Kwapisinski and her longtime companion Christopher Boyer of Ludlow. Sadly he was predeceased by his son Edmund who died July 13, 2000.

Independently Owned and Operated Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home and Cremation With Confidence by Kapinos-Mazur Care For The Community Since 1932