Thaddeus M. Kaczmarski, Jr.

GILBERTVILLE (Hardwick) - Thaddeus M. (Taji) Kaczmarski Jr., 63, of Hardwick passed away Friday, December 31, 2021 at Baystate Medical Center due to complications of COVID-19, with his loving family by his side.

He leaves his wife of 44 years, Cheryl J. (Lukaskiewicz) Kaczmarski of Gilbertville; his daughter, Kelly Witt and her husband Daniel Witt of Ware; his son, Gregory Kaczmarski and his wife Amy Kaczmarski of Hardwick; his grandchildren, Madison and Jacob Witt and Lukas and Abigayle Kaczmarski; his step-grandchildren, Stephanie Witt, Aurora and Alex Gauthier; his sister, Maryann McNaulty and her husband Ricky of Gilbertville; his niece, Heather Hebert and nephew, Josh McNaulty; his four great nephews as well as numerous cousin and friends.

He was the son of the late Thaddeau M. Kaczmarski, Sr. and Freida (Roach) Kaczmarski.

After taking over his father’s business, the former Snooky's Oil Company in the late 70s, he ran the business until the early 90s.  He spent the remainder of this working career as the service manager at Sherman Oil Co. in West Brookfield.  He was also the owner of the former Taji’s Bait and Tackle Shop in Gilbertville.

Taji’s love for everything outdoors included numerous hunting and fishing trips to Anacosti Island, Saskatoon, Maine, and New Hampshire.  He loved his annual hunting trips with family and friends.  He also enjoyed a good fishing derby either in a boat or on the ice, it didn’t matter, he was always up for it.  Taji also enjoyed camping with his family all over New England.  But nothing gave him greater joy than spending time with his grandchildren.

Being born and brought up in Gilbertville section of Hardwick, Taji was involved in a lot of committees over the years.  He was a volunteer firefighter for the Hardwick Fire Department, a member of the Board of Directors for the Hardwick Rescue Squad, and he was involved with youth soccer.  He was a former President of the Joseph Pilsudski Association, a member of the Hardwick Rod and Gun Club and the Gilberville Public Library Committee. He also served on the town's 250th Parade Committee. He was a kind-hearted soul who would help anyone in need.  He once put on a fundraiser for a local family in need that took place at 3 different locations in town on the same day.

After having to retire early due to a chronic back injury, he was unable to continue with any of the hobbies he so dearly enjoyed.  His new love was tractors.  How he just loved to sit on his tractor and do some small project that brought a smile to his face.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, April 30, 2022, at the Hardwick Winery, 3305 Greenwich Road, Hardwick.  All family and friends are invited.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA, 22116 or diabetes.org

Varnum Funeral Home, Inc., 43 East Main St., in West Brookfield is assisting his family with arrangements.

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