CHICOPEE – Theodore R. “Herby” Slenzak, 96, a longtime resident of the Fairview section of Chicopee, was Called Safely Home on Monday, May 14, 2018. He passed into Eternal Life at the Soldiers Home in Holyoke surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving daughter, Jerri, his wonderful caregivers and his fellow comrades-at-arms. He was born in Dickson City, PA on April 23, 1922, a beloved son of the late Roman and Mary (Yerka) Slenzak. He was raised and educated in Dickson City, had traveled the world over his many years of military service and settled in Fairview in 1964 where he lived the remainder of his life. He served his country in the United States Army during World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War. He retired in 1968 after 27 years of dedicated service with the rank of Sergeant Major and received numerous citations over his long career including the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart and the Army Commendation Medal. Following his military career, he was employed as a computer operator at Phillip Hano in Holyoke and later at A.G. Spalding in Chicopee. Herby enjoyed walking, reading, listening to music and could always be found watching one of his favorite western movies. Above all, he loved spending time with his family and friends. He was predeceased by his beloved wife and best friend, Catherine M. (Zimmerman) Slenzak who was Called Home on February 10, 2012. They were married on June 20, 1953 at Lewisburg Methodist Church in Lewisburg, WV and were blessed with over 58 years of happiness together. He leaves his loving son, Jon Slenzak of England; his loving daughter, Jerri L. Brueno and her partner, Steve Bordeaux, of Chicopee; his two cherished grandchildren, Krista Brueno and her partner, Greg Seymour, of Easthampton and Michael Brueno and his partner, Renée Gagnon, of Chicopee; his dear sister-in-law, Shirley Bugeia of California; and his many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and extended members of the Slenzak and Zimmerman families. In addition to his parents and wife, he was also predeceased by his two dear brothers, Carl and Edward Slenzak. Family and friends are invited to attend a Committal Service with United States Army Military Honors on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at 3 p.m. in the Chapel at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam, MA 01001. There are no visiting hours at the St. Pierre-Phaneuf Fairview Chapels, (413-533-3307), 506 Britton Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. For those who prefer, his family requests that memorial donations be made in his memory to the Soldiers Home in Holyoke, 110 Cherry Street, Holyoke, MA 01040. For more details, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com
