John J. Smolinski Jr.

John J. Smolinski Jr, 75, of Ludlow, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, after a valiant fight against cancer on May 24, 2023.  Born in Ludlow on November 5, 1947, he was the son of late John Smolinski Sr., and Carmelina (D’Amato) Smolinski.  A lifelong Ludlow resident, John served in the U.S. Army and was a Vietnam Veteran. Upon leaving the Army, he spent his career working for the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier in Enfield CT.  When John wasn’t working, he enjoyed spending time outside tending to his home and garden. He was an avid deer hunter and also loved fishing.  Every November, along with family and friends, John would spend the week at his home in Ludlow hunting in his back yard. He also enjoyed traveling to Rutland VT and Maine with his friends and family to go hunting.  John spent the last 5 summers at his favorite place Worden’s Pond Family Campground in Wakefield, RI.

John was predeceased by his wife Sylvia (Halgas) Smolinski in 2016.   He is survived by his three children Shauna Dion, and her husband John Dion of Chicopee; Derek Smolinski, and his wife Melissa; Megan Rosa and her husband Lucas Rosa Jr, all of Ludlow; his brother David F. Smolinski and his wife Colleen of Ludlow.  John is the cherished Papa to five beautiful grandchildren; Owen Smolinski, John Dion Jr, Olivia Rosa, Tyler Smolinski, and Grayson Rosa. He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews and many close friends.  John was a wonderful husband, father and Papa and will be deeply missed by all his family and friends.

Funeral services for John will be Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 9:30 AM at the Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home, 64 Sewall St., Ludlow, MA followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM in Christ the King Church.  Rites of Committal with Military Honors will be in Island Pond Cemetery.  Visiting hours at the funeral home will be Wednesday, May 31, 2023 from 4:00-7:00 PM.  Donations in John’s memory may be made to Fish and Wildlife Trust Fund, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Dept., 1 National Life Dr., Dewey Bldg, Montpelier, VT  05620-3208.