CHICOPEE – Frederick D. "Freddie" Checkwicz, 96, of the Fairview section of Chicopee, was Called Safely Home on Sunday, April 20, 2025. He passed away at his home surrounded by all the memories he loved and cherished. He was born in Chicopee on April 1, 1929, a beloved son of the late John and Anna (Grantowicz) Czechowicz. He was raised in Sandy Hill section of Chicopee and graduated from Chicopee High School. He furthered his education at American International College becoming the first college graduate in his family and received his Master’s Degree in History from the University of Michigan. He served his country in the United States Navy and attained the rank of Aerographer’s Mate Petty Officer Third Class. He then reenlisted in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was a teacher for 39 years with the Chicopee School Department and was a longtime History Teacher at Chicopee High School, retiring in 1999. He was a hard working man and painted many houses in the area professionally through the family business, Checkwicz Painting, which he would do after teaching all day. Freddie enjoyed playing cards every week with his friends at the Elks in Holyoke and especially enjoyed coaching softball and flag football for his children. He was a lifelong Red Sox fan. Freddie will be remembered for his intellect, his interest in the weather, his beautiful penmanship, and his need to contribute a “factoid” to any conversation. He was also sure to let everyone know that the secret to youthful skin was a daily dose of Vitamin E. He leaves his two loving and devoted children, Pamela K. MacDonald of Chicopee and Mark A. Checkwicz and his wife, Martha Barquero-Checkwicz, of Springfield; his four cherished grandchildren, Kelly Kennedy and her husband, Shaun, Kevin MacDonald and his wife, Brittany, Katia Checkwicz-Grosberg and her wife, hannah, and Andrew Checkwicz; his four cherished great grandchildren, Anna, Daniel, and Jack Kennedy, and Emma MacDonald; his dear nephew, Edward Checkwicz, Jr. and his wife, Robin, and their daughter, Miranda, all of Port Orange, FL; and his extended family members and friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his former wife, Angelina M. (Longhi) Checkwicz Kusmierz; his dear brother, Edward Checkwicz; and his two dear sisters, Jean Wojcik and Etta Sergneri. Family and friends are invited to attend his Committal Service with United States Navy Military Honors on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 3 p.m. in the Chapel at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam, MA 01001. The St. Pierre – Phaneuf Fairview Chapels, (413-533-3307) 506 Britton Street, Chicopee, MA 01020 has the honor of assisting his family. For more details and to leave his family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com
"Don't Miss Me Too Much, Just A Lot"
