Jack J. Ziemba

Jack Joseph Ziemba, 67, passed away on November 28, 2024 at Baystate Medical Center. Born in Springfield on November 26, 1957 to Patricia (Brice) Ziemba and the late Joseph Ziemba, he was a lifelong Ludlow resident. He was a faithful parishioner at Christ the King Church in Ludlow and a graduate of Ludlow High School.  For 42 years, Jack served as a custodian for the Ludlow Public Schools, primarily at Chapin Street School. He was also an enthusiastic volunteer for the Special Olympics, where he supported and mentored athletes on the volleyball and bowling teams. A passionate New England sports fan, Jack loved traveling with family and friends to various sporting events. A highlight of his travels was a memorable trip to Denver in 2007 to watch the Red Sox in the World Series. He also enjoyed attending many Patriots games at Gillette Stadium. Jack’s love for travel took him far and wide, from exploring Ireland to visiting Florida to see his aunt and uncle, and many places in between.

Despite facing numerous health challenges, particularly in the past five years, Jack remained resilient and was deeply grateful for the care and support of his dedicated caregivers. Above all, he was a kind, loving soul who brought joy and a smile to everyone who knew him. Jack’s greatest treasure was his family, and he cherished every moment spent with them, especially his beloved nieces and nephews. Jack shared a deep and loving bond with his mother. They were true companions, always there for one another. Together, they could often be found on their front patio, greeting neighbors and passersby with warm smiles and friendly words.

He leaves his mother, Patricia Ziemba of Ludlow; his siblings and their spouses: James and Angie Ziemba of Richland, WA, Joanne Hanks of Hampden, Jean and Jim Joyce of Monson, and John and Sarah Ziemba of Westborough. “Uncle Jack” will be dearly missed by his nieces and nephews: Elisabeth, Nick, Sarah, Ben, Matthew, Brian, Jimmy, Derek, Abby, and Kaitlin and his great-nephew Trenton and great-nieces Amie and Ellie. He also leaves other extended family members and many special friends.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 from 5-7pm at Nowak Funeral & Cremation Services, 15 Ludlow Ave., Springfield. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2024 assembling at the funeral home at 9am and proceeding to Christ the King Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am. Burial will follow at Island Pond Cemetery, Ludlow.

Memorial contributions in Jack’s memory may be made to Toy for Joy, c/o The Republican, 1860 Main St., Springfield MA 01103 (online at give.salvationarmy.org/toyforjoy) or to the Special Olympics, Attn: Web Gifts, 2600 Virginia Ave NW, 11th Floor, Washington, DC 20037 (online at support.specialolympics.org). To express online condolences to the family, please visit www.nowakfuneral.com.

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