Chester J. Kecki

Chester J. Kecki, 89, of Ludlow, passed away on Friday, November 21, 2025. Born December 26, 1935 in Indian Orchard, he was the son of the late Edmund and Stella (Giza) Kecki. After graduating from the former Springfield Technical High School in 1953, Chester proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He went on to work as a die maker for Smith and Wesson for 35 years. Chester was a communicant of Christ the King Church and a member of the Ludlow Elks Lodge # 2448 and Moose Lodge and the Polish American Veterans Club. Gregarious and fun loving, Chester was quick with a joke and always the “life of the party”. His favorite hobby was racing homing pigeons. He and his wife Phyllis enjoyed being Santa and Mrs. Claus at Friendly’s corporate parties to the delight of many children over the years.

Chester is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Phyllis (Zurowski) Kecki; his brother Leo Kecki and his sister Jane Forkey, as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers Thaddeus, Louis, Henry and Mitchell Kecki.

Funeral services for Chester will be Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 9:00 AM at the Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home, 64 Sewall St., Ludlow, MA., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in Christ the King Church. Rites of Committal with Military Honors will be in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Montgomery St, Chicopee, MA. Visiting hours at the funeral home will be Friday, November 28, 2025 from 4:00-7:00 PM. Donations in Chester’s memory may be made to St. Jude Childrens’ Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org or the American Heart Association at www.heart.org.