Obituary for Ignatius M. "Iggy" Szlosek
Ignatius M. “Iggy” Szlosek was born to Jacob and Agatha Szlosek on August 13, 1911. He was one of 6 children - all boys - Teddy, Joe, Walter, Michael and Benny. Iggy was the youngest! Iggy was brought to Baystate Medical Center on February 10, 2008 (the day Mary Surowiec and Ignatius Szlosek were married in 1936). They had a wonderful life together of 68 years. Ignatius died peacefully at 5:35am on February 11,2008, at the age of 96, surrounded by his remaining family. Ignatius’ final resting place, this date in celebration, February 14, 2008, “Valentines Day” with his beloved bride Mary; on her birthday; Finally! He loved her so much! Iggy was a boxer in his youth and sparred with many who became famous: one in particular, “the great Joe Lewis”…..they were friends. Iggy was a friend to many, he never saw the color of a persons face – he just looked into their eyes and saw their soul. He went through the depression – stories were told of cardboard in shoes in the winter! He was a survivor in bread lines – times were tough! When he came to Wilbraham, he saw a pretty “Polish” American girl, Mary Surowiec, He was smitten – he was in love – he loved everything about her; especially her smile, her lovely eyes, her skin….. so beautiful! He couldn’t wait to make her his bride; but, she wasn’t ready. She had to support her parents and younger sisters. They needed her money for food. He chased her at every opportunity asking her father John for her hand in marriage. “No-she has to work!”. They got married in a blizzard on February 10, 1936. The reception lasted 4 days and their marriage lasted 68 years. They waited to have their family in 1940. October 27, a son Joseph was born. 2 years and 2 days later on October 29, 1942, Irene was born! The Catholic family – the wonderful simple life – Mary was tough with “NO”, but just ask Dad, he’ll say “YES, go ahead, be careful.” Iggy was proud of his children. Education, especially college, for Joe was a must in the Polish family (they remortgaged their house twice!) Every spare moment, Iggy shared with his children. Joe received athletic ability from his father, baseball, football, basketball, fly tying and of course, Boxing! Irene watched and watched, she wanted time too! So Dad taught Irene to draw horses and cowboys. Irene received creativity from her father and mother. With Dad, she even made cement blocks. Then Iggy and Mary watched Joseph take Catherine Cireno as his bride. Iggy and Mary became proud grandparents of James and Michael. Polish Pride. The Szlosek name continues with great-grandson Joseph Edward. James married Rena. Michael and Kathy are parents to Joseph (Little Joey); and Little Joey is following the male line of Szlosek’s athleticism. Iggy and Mary were best man and maid of honor to Irene and son-in-law Luke Lemieux. Then, Iggy’s life love, Mary, died on grandson Michael’s birthday, October 2003. Iggy never returned to his 128 Ray St, home in Ludlow that he shared with his Mary. He took residence in South Hadley with daughter Irene and son-in-law Luke for 41/2 years. He enjoyed the Casino gambling with his son-in-law! He loved to go out to dinner with Irene and Luke at least 3 times every week and loved to watch TV’s Walker and the Boston Red Sox. But, when Iggy’s safety became a factor, he became a resident in Lifecare Center of Wilbraham. He loved the staff, they loved him also. Special thanks to James Kenyatta and Amber Lemieux. For all who knew Ignatius Szlosek, we thank you for caring. Ignatius thanks the following: 911 operators, EMT’s, fireman, police officers, all hospital staffs of Holyoke and Wing Memorial Hospitals - Baystate and Mercy Medical Centers – Health South – WMEC – and Lifecare. Also, Dr’s Edward Ryter and Masih Farooqui; we all thank you. His final day at Baystate Emergency and Baystate Transitional; we thank you all as well. If you don’t have recognition, you are not forgotten – thank you. Caregivers, we are a proud people. Our hearts are free of guilt. Thank you also Luke. Thank you all, he had a great life. – Irene Lemieux- Funeral services are on Thursday morning at 9am from Ludlow Funeral Home with Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10am in Christ the King Church followed by burial in St. Aloysius Cemetery. Visitation is on Wednesday evening from 4-7pm.
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