Walter S. Czepiel

Walter “Wally” Czepiel, 89, of Ludlow, passed away peacefully in the loving presence of his family on November 14, 2024. Wally was born in Chicopee, MA to the late Walter J. Czepiel and Alice (Marek) Czepiel. He was a proud Veteran of the United States Navy, serving in the Korean War era from 1954-1958. He loved to recount stories of sailing around the world aboard the WWII aircraft carrier Intrepid, which is now a National Historic Landmark and museum anchored in New York Harbor. Wally spent the majority of his career as a machinist and a carpenter. He shared his strong work ethic and values with his family. He spent nearly ten years designing and building a 15-foot wooden sailboat which he enjoyed sailing in local lakes and in Cape Cod Bay, where he had taken his family on vacations every summer for over three decades. After retirement, Wally took a part-time job delivering flowers in the Springfield area. He felt great satisfaction in bringing joy to others and never hesitated to help a neighbor or complete stranger, no matter how small or great the ask. Wally had a twinkle in his eye and loved to laugh and make other people laugh.

Walter cherished his family above all else. He was a devoted husband of 46 years to his late spouse Theodora Czepiel; a loving father to his daughters Teresa Czepiel and husband Ryan Devine and Lisa Page and husband Kristofer; and a wonderful grandfather to Luke, Toby, and Lily Page. He leaves his sister Diane Bickford of Maine, sister-in-law Hedy Tenczar and husband Andrew Tenczar of Ludlow and sister-in-law Mary Popko of Indian Orchard. Walter was predeceased by his parents, his beloved grandmother Agnes Kszeles, his sisters Emily Czepiel and Barbara Czepiel, brother-in-law Julian Popko, and nephew Steven Lustofin. He will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends.

Burial will be private and a celebration of life will be held at a later date to be determined.

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