WEBSTER – Louis A. Przystas, 93, died Sunday, September 3, 2017 in Lanessa Extended Care after a period of declining health. His wife of 66 years, Theresa J. “Tess” (Gulczynski) Przystas, died in 2014.
He leaves 4 children, Linda Kathleen Sproles and her husband Gary D. Sproles of Bristol, TN, Louis Mark Przystas of Ogunquit, ME, Lorrie Ann Przystas of Webster, and Tracy James Przystas and his wife Rhonda of Southbridge; 2 grandchildren, Lindsay Nicole Sproles of Nashville, TN and Heather Lynn Vanzandt and her husband Scott of Webster; 3 great-grandchildren, Leah, Jacob and Hunter; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by 6 brothers and 6 sisters.
He was born in Webster, the youngest son of Anthony and Mary J. (Socha) Przystas and was a lifelong resident. He attended Webster Trade School.
He was an Army veteran of World War II, serving in central Europe and in the Rhineland. He was a founding member of the PAV and former commander, senior vice-president and chaplain of the Webster-Dudley American Legion Post #184. He also belonged to the VFW and the Webster-Dudley Veterans Council. His family held the distinction of having five brothers in the service, two during World War I and three, including Louis, during World War II. He was honored to be chosen as the Grand Marshall at the Webster Memorial Day Parade in 2006. His name is registered in the data base of the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC.
Mr. Przystas worked as a master electrician at Rosenfeld Concrete Co. in Milford, retiring in 1986. He was a volunteer fireman on the Webster Fire Department for 20 years, serving as Captain of Engine 3 for 14 years.
He was a member of Saint Joseph Basilica and one of the founders of the Booster Athletic Club. He was skilled in woodworking and was always busy working with his hands. People in town often saw him riding on his scooter with his dog Sugar in the front basket.
The funeral will be held Thursday, September 7, from the Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, 340 School Street, with a Mass at 10:00 AM in Saint Joseph Basilica, 53 Whitcomb Street. Burial will be in St. Joseph Garden of Peace. The Webster-Dudley Veterans Council will provide the military honors. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Wednesday, September 6, in the funeral home. Donations in his name may be made to either St. Joseph Gymnasium Fund, 53 Whitcomb St., or to the Webster-Dudley Veterans Council, 3 Veterans Way, both in Webster, MA 01570.