Robert J. Kuzmeski
Join us in celebrating Robert—please share your stories and photos, and help spread the word about this page!
Robert James Kuzmeski of Northampton passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on March 29th. He was born in Northampton on November 24, 1936, the son of Joseph and Rose (Rastallis) Kuzmeski.
Bob graduated from Northampton High School and the former Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in Boston. He worked as a pharmacist for many small independent pharmacies before finishing his career at the VA Medical Center in Leeds. He married his high school sweetheart in 1960 and together over the course of their almost 55 year marriage, raised 6 children and welcomed 6 spouses, 11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren into their family. Bob enjoyed golfing, working with his hands, either woodworking or fixing the "unfixable" and long walks on the beach with his "Sweetie". He was a self-taught carpenter and handy-man who gutted and remodeled the family home on South Street; a true testament to his talents. Above all, Bob was a family man. His greatest passion and source of pride was his family and he loved nothing more than sitting back at family gatherings and quietly taking in all that was going on around him. In Bob's mind, everyone was welcomed into the fold; if he greeted you with a bear hug, he considered you family.
Bob was pre-deceased by his best friend and wife, Jackie in April 2015, his brother Philip Kuzmeski and his sister Dorothy Korytoski. He leaves behind his children, Cynthia Wheeler and her husband Jeffrey of Easthampton, Patricia Wade and her husband Rand of Haydenville, Robert and his wife Mary of Hadley, Jacklyn Connly and her husband Glenn of Florence, William and his wife Margarita of Hatfield and Elizabeth and her wife Heather of Waltham. He will be greatly missed by his eleven grandchildren whom he adored; Chrysta, Alexa, Dakota, Katie, John, Kevin, Garrett, Anna, Sierra, Trey and Blake. And his newest loves, great-grandchildren Bryce and Colton. Bob is also survived by his twin brother Richard Kuzmeski of Naples, FL.
The family would like to thank the staff and Companions at Christopher Heights in Northampton. He truly enjoyed his time with you and the good-hearted banter you shared. A big thank you to the nursing staff, therapists and students at Mercy Rehab. He appreciated you all. A heartfelt thank you to the Security and ICU staff at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. You all made a difficult situation more bearable with your kindness.
The funeral will be from CZELUSNIAK FUNERAL HOME on Wednesday April 7 at 9 AM with a 10 AM Mass of Christian Burial at Annunciation Church, Beacon Street in Florence. Burial in St. Mary's Cemetery will be at the convenience of the family. Calling hours will be Tuesday April 6 from 5 to 7 PM. For online condolences, please visit Czelusniakfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cooley Dickinson Hospital, online or directly to the Development Office, PO Box 329, Northampton, MA 01060. Please note your donation should be made to the Mass General Cancer Center at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. All contributions will remain local.