Obituary of Leon J. Hajdamowicz

Leon J. Hajdamowicz, 78, passed thru the Gates of Heaven on Saturday, April 30, 2022 from his home surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous 7 year battle with Multiple Myeloma.

Leon was born on January 20, 1944, in Amberg, Germany to Stefan and Stanislawa (Gnitecki) Hajdamowicz while his parents were slave laborers on a German farm.

In 1951 the family immigrated to Holyoke, Mass where Leon graduated from Mater Dolorosa School and Dean Vocational. He worked at Moore Drop Forge Co. and retired from Storms Forge in 2016.

His many passions were collecting coins, stamps, sports cards and memorabilia. He was an accomplished stained-glass artist and if you admired a piece he made, he gave it to you.

He loved bowling and volleyball and in retirement he was passionate about watching his granddaughters play sports. He enjoyed playing his accordion for his family and he wrote a musical piece, Happy Lisa Polka, for his daughter. Recently, he donated his beloved accordion to Berkshire Hills Academy of Music.

Leon leaves behind his loving wife and best friend of 57 years, Vicha (Ostapiej), his daughter Lisa (Jim) Caivano, son Paul (Cheryl) and his most loved treasures, Jenna and Krista Hajdamowicz and Jenna’s friend, Tucker Dalessio. He chose to come out of retirement and be the primary caretaker of his newborn granddaughter, Krista. Both, Jenna and Krista brought him immeasurable joy in life.

He also leaves behind his brother, Roman (Diane), as well as his Ostapiej-in-laws, Leon, Henry, Theresa and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and many good friends.

His family wishes to thank Dr. Robert Byrne and his staff for their long-time care and the Hospice group, especially Stacie and Jesse.

His family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 from 4-7 pm at Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home, 646 Newton Street. Friends & Family are welcome to gather at the funeral home on Wednesday, May 4 at 8:30am for a procession to St. Patrick’s Church, 30 Main St, South Hadley for Leo’s Liturgy of Christian Burial which will begin at 10:00am.

Burial will be at the convenience of the family.