Raymond Peter Denkewicz came into this world on June 30, 1926 in Millers Falls, MA to parents Roman P. Denkewicz and Blanche (Skrzypek) Denkewicz and he left this world (at age 90) on May 2, 2017 surrounded by his wife of 69 years and loving family at the Charlene Manor Extended Care Center after a brief illness.  He leaves his wife Genevieve (Beebe) Denkewicz along with his six children:  Gloria Carme (John Solberg) of Bradenton, FL; Catherine Ptak (Jim) of Turners Falls, MA;   Karen Burek (Peter) of Bradenton, FL; Mary “Lucie” Denkewicz (Helen Skeels) of Hadley, NY; Raye Marie Young (Richard) of Millers Falls, MA; and Raymond Peter Denkewicz, Jr (Carolann) of East Greenwich, RI.   He leaves a sister Mary Winskye of Deerfield and was predeceased by his siblings; Theodore Denkewicz, Helen Krejmas, Blanche Koblinski and Sophie Storozuk.

Ray graduated from Turners Falls High School in 1944.  As a Turners Falls Indian, he participated on the pole vaulting and football teams. As a young adult, Ray played semi-pro baseball in the position of catcher.  His love of baseball continued as a fan of the Red Sox. Raymond was employed by Millers Falls Paper, Strathmore Paper where he was a mill superintendent and retired as the National Safety Officer from International Paper.  He also was the local locksmith where he served the Franklin County area for over 45 years.

He proudly served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a Sergeant Gunner from 1943-1947.   He married Genevieve Emma (Beebe) Denkewicz of Brattleboro, VT in 1948 and resided in Millers Falls, MA until retirement, when they became Florida snowbirds. 

Ray’s greatest source of pride and joy in life was his family and watching his 12 grandchildren grow: Peter Burek, Jr (Emily), Amy Freeman (Bill), Angela Anderson (Matt), Jason Burek (Sara), Nicholas Carme (Christie),  James Ptak, Jr (Jillian), Pamela Ptak-Interlande (Ryan), Christopher Varilly (Angie), Daniel Varilly (Lydia), Taylor Varilly, Ryan Denkewicz and Andrew Denkewicz.  Another delight in his life were his 14 great-grandchildren that always brought smiles to his face.  They will miss their GGPa deeply. 

Ray was an avid gardener; planting, tending and harvesting a large garden every year through 2016.  He enjoyed experimenting with new hybrid plantings and organic growing techniques.

He derived great pleasure in sitting on his favorite swing with his wife under the “Old Baldwin” apple tree, planted by his father nearly 100 years ago.  He would often have his grandchildren on his lap “playing cars” or enjoying a beer and discussing world issues with family.  He was thrilled to be able to fulfill a dream of visiting his parents’ birthplaces in Poland and to partake in the Military Honor Flight to Washington, DC.  He shared his wisdom and humor until the end. 

Services will be Tuesday (5-16-17) at 9:15 am at Kostanski Funeral Home 1 Kostanski Square Turners Falls, MA followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial in Ray’s honor at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Czestochowa in Turners Falls, MA with Rev. Sean O’Mannion pastor officiating. Interment will follow with military honors at Highland Cemetery, Millers Falls Road, Millers Falls, MA. Calling hours will be held Monday (5-15-17) from  5-7 pm at the funeral home.  In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to:  St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN or Honor Flight New England, P.O. Box 16287, Hookset, NH 03106.

 Service Information