Northfield-Thadd W. Bistrek passed away in the beauty and peace of his beloved woods on Wednesday September 28, 2016.  He was born in Greenfield, MA on July 6, 1947, the only child to Stanley T. and Gladys (Corbiere) Bistrek.

Thadd grew up in Northfield, MA, went to Northfield Elementary School and graduated from Pioneer Valley Regional School in 1965.  While at PVRS, Thadd played baseball, on the gym team, was active in Future Farmers of America and the high school band.  In his senior year he was band president and president of the FFA. Thadd would often recall his time playing in the band directed by Mr. Eugene Gancarz as some of his happiest memories. In 1963, he attended the FFA Convention in Kansas City, MO.  Thadd thought the world of his classmates, and it was important to him to help organize his class reunions through the years. 

Thadd worked on Five Point Farm in Northfield throughout his high school years and after graduation. On February 2, 1966, he enlisted in the U.S. Army.  Thadd was a tank commander during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Germany and Alaska.  He received several awards and citations while serving. 

While on leave from the Army, he married Pamela Rose Dinsmore on August 23, 1969 at her parents’ home in Greenfield, MA.  Their honeymoon was spent driving back to Fairbanks, Alaska where he was stationed at Fort Wainwright.  They also lived for a year in Fayetteville, NC where he was stationed at Fort Bragg.  Thadd was honorably discharged from the Army on the 12th of March, 1971.  Thadd and Pam returned to Greenfield, MA and bought their first home there.  In 1979, they moved to Northfield where they raised their three children. 

Thadd worked in construction for a while, after being certified to operate a bulldozer and tractor trailer.  He then drove tractor trailer for 48 years.  For nearly 25 years he drove for Barker Steel in South Deerfield, MA.  During his years of driving, he logged over 3 ½ million miles without a chargeable accident.

In his free time, Thadd enjoyed working in his garden and sharing vegetables with family and friends.  He also liked hiking, canoeing, biking, and cutting wood.  Thadd loved his Farmall H tractors and looked forward to attending Plow Day each year and participating in the Bernardston Tractor Parades. He was in his glory any time he was sitting behind the wheel of his tractor.  He also enjoyed building model tanks and WWII bombers and fighter aircraft.  Thadd was a proud member of the Northfield VFW Post 9874 and served on their honor guard. 

Thadd is remembered for his love of the outdoors and for squeezing as much into a day as possible.  He always looked forward to morning coffee with the boys at Mims or a Western at The Notch.  He adored all the pets who kept him company throughout his life, and recently mourned his deeply loved dog Chance, who passed away in April.  But most of all Thadd will be remembered for his extraordinary work ethic and unfailing commitment to his family.  He continued to work even in his “retirement” but was never too tired to lend a hand with a project or help someone in need, and his get-things-done attitude made him a role model not only to his children but to many of their friends.  He was a devoted father who took pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren, and he was never happier than when in their company.  He was a loyal and supportive husband who always put his beloved Pamela’s wishes before his own.  His absence leaves an unimaginable void in the lives of all who loved him.

Thadd was predeceased by his father, Stanley in 1977 and his mother, Gladys in 1991.  He leaves behind his loving family; wife, Pamela, of 47 years; son, Travis and wife Christy of Shelburne Falls; son, Tolan and wife Nara Garber of Easthampton and Brooklyn, NY; daughter, Bethany and husband Brad Walker of Northfield; father-in-law, James L. Dinsmore also of Northfield and his eight cherished grandchildren; Caitlin and Meredith Bistrek; Lillia, Camille, Tolan James and Samuel Bistrek; Austin and Sofia Walker. He also leaves a brother and sister-in-law Christopher and Jan Dinsmore of Norway Maine.  He leaves behind nephews James and Nathan, a niece Joy Dinsmore, great-niece Mairead Rosa Dinsmore, all of Maine and many cousins and dear friends.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday 10/4 at 11am at the Kostanski Funeral Home, 220 Federal Street, Greenfield.  Burial will follow at Pentecost Cemetery in Northfield. 

Calling hours will be held Tuesday morning from 9am until the time of the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Franklin County Sherriff’s Office Regional Dog Shelter, 10 Sandy Lane, Turners Falls, MA 01376 or to the Northfield VFW Post 9874, 545 Mount Herman Station Road, Northfield, MA 01360.

Sympathy message available at www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.

 Service Information