Turners Falls- Raymond "Gump" J. Zukowski, Sr., 91, of the" Slippery Gap" section of L Street died Monday 9/25/17 after a period of declining health. He was born in Montague on January 15,1926, the son of John and Elizabeth (Yarmac) Zukowski. Gump attended local schools in Montague and was a graduate of Turners Falls High School Class of 1943. He was an outfielder for the Turners Falls High School 1942 State Champion baseball team and is remembered for his famed double off of Fenway's "Green Monster" in the 5-4 win against Arlington High School.

He served in the United States Navy during World War II and was on the USS Grimes carrying Marines during initial occupation of Japan of US Forces in 1945. Gump was then reactivated during the Korean War.

He was the town clerk in Montague for eleven years, and town assessor for twenty-five years, retiring in 1981. Prior to that, Gump worked in the maintenance department at the Esleek Paper Company for more than twenty years.

Gump was President and member of the Schuetzen Verein for over 60 years, a member of St. Kazimierz Society, St. Stanislaus Society, the Montague Elks #2521 and a former member of the VFW Post 923.

Gump enjoyed going to the casino and loved scratching lottery tickets as well as eating lunch the Apprentice Restaurant at Franklin County Technical School. He was an avid sports fan, including local high school sports, the Red Sox, Celtics and Patriots.

Among his survivors, Gump leaves a son, Raymond Zukowski, Jr. (Gail) of Northfield; a daughter, Helen Woznakewicz (Leon) of Greenfield; five grandchildren, Laura Batiste of Greenfield, John Woznakewicz of Middletown, RI, Krista Payne of Arlington, MA, Rebecca Zukowski of Denver, Co and Christopher Zukowski of Bernardston; six great grandchildren, Logan, Leah, Angelise, Isabella, Natalia and Joseph; a beloved niece, Elizabeth McCarthy; and several nieces and nephews. Additionally, he leaves two step-brothers, Frank Bush of Greenfield and George Bush of Turners Falls.

Gump was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Rose (Togneri) Zukowski and three sisters, Jennie Zukowski, Anna Trudel and Blanche McCarthy.

A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held Monday 10/2/2017 at 10am at Our Lady of Peace Church, 90 Seventh Street, Turners Falls. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Turners Falls.

Calling hours are omitted at the request of the deceased.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Peace Church, 90 Seventh Street, Turners Falls, MA 01376 or Franklin County Sheriff Triad Unit, 160 Elm Street, Greenfield MA 01301.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Kostanski Funeral Home. Sympathy message available at www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.

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