Thomas R. Nowak
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Thomas R. Nowak, age 67, passed away on June 23, 2022, surrounded by loving family, after an 11-month battle with cancer. He was born on July 9, 1954, a son of Robert and the late Joan (Janelle) Nowak. He was predeceased by his wife Michelle M. (Gagne) Nowak. He is survived by his stepdaughter Charlotte Cotton Lynch of Chicopee; two sisters, Christine Shotwell (partner Carl Lucas) of Southwick and Elizabeth DesRochers (husband Donald) of Granby, MA; a brother, Lawrence Nowak (wife Jennifer) of Summerville, SC; two step grandchildren, Penelope and Phoenix, along with five nieces and nephews. Thomas had a lifelong passion for music, receiving his first guitar at age 12 and becoming a fixture on the local music scene, performing as a member of such bands as The Radiators, The Goat Ropers, Raider Eddie and the Skeletones, and many others. He held an Associate Degree in Music from Holyoke Community College, and was a devoted employee of Falcetti Music in Springfield for over 39 years, most recently as Falcetti Pianos Springfield Store Manager. “Toby” also loved traveling the country with Michelle (New Orleans’ French Quarter was a favorite destination), attending New England Patriots games as a long-time season ticket holder, and, especially, spending time with Penelope and Phoenix. Calling hours will be held on Saturday, July 9, 2022 from 10 AM to Noon at the Grise Funeral Home, 280 Springfield St, Chicopee. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorial donations may be made to: Thomas Nowak Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Monson Savings Bank, 100 Post Office Park, Wilbraham, MA, 01095. The mission of the fund is to provide underprivileged youth with access to musical education at Falcetti School of Music. For online condolences, please visit www.GriseFH.com (http://www.GriseFH.com).