Ralph Vollinger
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Ralph F. Vollinger, 87, of Hatfield passed away on Wednesday, March 17, 2021, surrounded by his family. He was born in Northampton and was a lifelong resident of Hatfield. He was the son of the late Francis (Fritz) and Doris (Dolly Smith) Vollinger.
Ralph attended Smith Vocational Agricultural High School, graduating from the Automotive Department. He began his career as an auto mechanic at Blyda Ford in Northampton. He then worked for many years as a master mechanic for the Lane Construction Company, during the construction of Rt. 91 from Vermont to Connecticut. He was also a member of the Operating Engineers/Local 98 Union. After retiring from the construction business, Ralph worked at the Hampshire County Courthouse as a court officer. He was also a part time officer on the Hatfield Police Department and served on the Town of Hatfield's Water Department. He was a communicant of Our Lady of Grace Church in Hatfield, and a past President of the Holy Name Society. Ralph enjoyed deer hunting, snowmobiling, playing cards and vacations in Florida. His greatest enjoyment was his pool, where many family members, friends and neighbors gathered. He spent many hours in his garage working on cars and was always one of the first to help others. Ralph leaves his wife, Joanne Porada; daughter Diane Waskiewicz of Kensington, CT and her children, Sarah Joseph (Michael) and Scott Waskiewicz (Sara); son, Robert (Robin) of Hatfield and their children Elizabeth and Robert; his daughter, Anna Holhut (Robert) of Hatfield and their son, John; along with his three cherished great grandchildren Grace and Abigail Joseph and Richard Waskiewicz. Also, Linda Keenan of Coventry, CT and her children Ryan (Kathryn), Joseph, Reilly, Jack and Cooper; Joseph Porada (Denise) of Las Vegas, NV; a brother, Donald Vollinger of Hatfield; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife, Patricia (Mason) Vollinger; son-in-law, Richard Waskiewicz; brother, Richard Vollinger; and grandson, Michael Keenan.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, March 22 at 10 AM at Our Lady of Grace Church in Hatfield. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery, Bridge St, Northampton, MA. Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 4-6 PM at CZELUSNIAK FUNERAL HOME, 173 North St., Northampton. All attendees must follow strict covid guidelines, including mask-wearing and practicing social distancing.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Hatfield Ambulance, 51 Main St., Hatfield, Our Lady of Grace Church, 11 School St., Hatfield or the charity of your choice. Online condolences can be made at CZELUSNIAKFUNERALHOME.COM.