Robert "Honker" Zaikowski

With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of Robert S. “Honker” Zaikowski on March 13, 2024.  Bob passed away unexpectedly at the Baystate Medical Center in Springfield with his wife by his side at the age of 76. 

The son of Stanley Zaikowski and Stella (Czernich) Rewa, Bob was born on May 3, 1947 in Greenfield, Ma.  He attended local schools in Greenfield and was a graduate of Greenfield High School, Class of 1966.  

Bob served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, being honorably discharged.  He was employed at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst for thirty five years before his retirement. 

Bob leaves behind and trail of love, laughter and unforgettable memories.  His youthful spirit touched all those he met and left a lasting impression.  He had a zest for life and lived it to the fullest.  Bob made friends wherever he went.

Bob was an avid golfer and had recorded his fourth hole-in-one at the Northfield Golf Club. He was a lifetime member of St. Kazimier’s and the Polish Club in South Deerfield.  Bob was a member of the Greenfield Lodge of Elks and St. Stanislaus in Turners Falls.   

He was a communicant of Our Lady of Czestochowa Church in Turners Falls.

Bob was married to the former Nancy Potter on June 8, 1974.  They would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in June of this year.  Bob and Nancy had a passion for travel with Aruba and Hawaii being their favorite destinations

 Besides his beloved wife, Nancy, Bob leaves his brothers in law, Rusty Potter (Ronda) and Thomas Deskavich (Leslie) and his sister in law Theresa Turner-Inghmn.

He was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Cathy (Rewa) Deskavich, nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held Thursday 3/21 at 11am at Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, 84 K Street, Turners Falls.  Burial will follow at Green River Cemetery in Greenfield. 

Calling hours will be held Thursday morning from 8:30am-10:30am at the Kostanski Funeral Home, 220 Federal Street, Greenfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

May we all raise a glass in honor of Bob. Cheers!

For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert "Honker" Zaikowski, please visit our floral store.