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Robert Nowak Veteran
September 11, 2022

Obituary

Attorney (retired) Robert L. Nowak, age 93, passed away peacefully on Sept. 11, 2022. He was born on Aug. 21, 1929, a son of the late Joseph A. Nowak, Sr. and the late Eva (Constant) Nowak. He was predeceased by his loving wife Joan (Janelle) Nowak, and a son, Thomas Nowak. He is survived by two daughters, Christine Shotwell (partner Carl Lucas) of Becket and Elizabeth DesRochers (husband Donald) of Granby, MA; and a son, Lawrence Nowak (wife Jennifer) of Summerville, SC; five grandchildren (Daniel DesRochers, Heather Preece, Annabeth, Robert, and Elise Nowak), one great grandchild (Chase DesRochers), and many nieces and nephews. Robert enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1948 and served for over 8 years, achieving the rating of Quartermaster 1st Class Petty Officer, performing navigation and signaling duties. He served during the Korean War. He was awarded a Navy Occupation Service Medal, and served upon multiple ships including the destroyers USS Waldron and USS K.D. Bailey, and submarines including the USS Nautilus. Robert obtained a Bachelor’s Degree from Boston University and a law degree cum laude from Western New England College. He practiced law in Chicopee for over five decades, first with his father and later on his own. He served as Chicopee City Solicitor under two mayors, Richard Demers and Robert Kumor. Bob loved to travel; he and Joan frequently visited Cape Cod and the Rhode Island shore, as well as Hawaii, New Orleans, Charleston SC, and Key West. He organized and attended many reunions across the country for shipmates of the Bailey, and enjoyed 40 trips to attend the Indianapolis 500. He was an avid New York Giants fan, but his football passion was Yale University. He began attending Yale games with his father a child in the 1930’s, and later loved bringing his children and grandchildren to games that he faithfully attended until 2019. Calling hours will be held on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022 at 9:00 AM at the Grise Funeral Home, 280 Springfield St, Chicopee, with a prayer service at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Chicopee. Memorial donations may be made to: Thomas Nowak Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Monson Savings Bank, 100 Post Office Park, Wilbraham, MA, 01095. Visit www.GriseFH.com for online condolences.

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Grisé Funeral Home
280 Springfield Street
Chicopee, MA 01013
413-594-4189