Walter R. “Bob” Wandas, age 77, peacefully passed away on December 31, 2019. Bob was born on October 15, 1942 in Springfield, the son of the late Walter K. and Bertha C. (Bednarz) Wandas. Bob is predeceased by his brother Stephen M. Wandas. A lifelong resident of Chicopee, Bob graduated from Chicopee High School in 1960 he furthered his education at Chicopee Trade School graduating in 1962 becoming a master craftsman cabinet maker. A veteran of the US Army, Bob entered the service in 1964 before being honorably discharged in 1970. After his military service, Bob returned to Chicopee and joined the Carpenters Union to turn his love of wood working into a career. Over his thirty years as a master carpenter, Bob held positions with Doane & Williams, Shawmut Bank and his own business “W.R. Wandas Building and Remodeling.” To this day, Bob’s craftsmanship and attention to detail adorns countless homes and businesses throughout New England.
After retiring, Bob did not slow down and became an active member of the Chicopee Moose Lodge, serving as Governor in 2013 and Prelate for eight years. As a life-time member of the club, Bob enjoyed cooking for the families of the Moose and organizing numerous events. Bob was also an active member of the American Legion Post 275 and worked part-time as the substitute messenger for the Chicopee Public Schools. Bob is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Yvonne A. Wandas; his son Kenneth S. Wandas; devoted daughter Deborah L. Wandas Socha (Rob), and his beloved grandchildren Alexander and Ania Wandas, all of Chicopee. Bob also leaves behind numerous family and friends. He will be terribly missed by his favorite fur friends (Angus, Angel, Mila & Sadie) who brought him peace and comfort in his time of need. Bob will be remembered as a loving father, husband, grandfather, and friend to everyone. He loved entertaining at his home, sharing stories, his love of Polish music and entertaining everyone by playing the accordion. Bob was a kind, giving and a selfless man always willing to help others, asking nothing in return. Bob greeted everyone with a smile and left you with the loving sentiments of “Have a Sparkling Day”. Bob has left us all with the Sparkle of his kindness and his loving memory. Bob’s family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Friday, January 10, 2020 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at Grisé Funeral Home, 280 Springfield St, Chicopee. Services will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at 10:00 am at Grisé Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Stanislaus Basilica at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at St. Stanislaus Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in honor of Bob Wandas to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St, Springfield, MA 01104.