Edward J. Brzycki

"Edward John Brzycki, 60, passed peacefully on April 22, 2013, at Cooley Dickinson Hospital after complications as a result of colon cancer. Ed leaves behind his loving wife of 29 years, Jeanne (Jasmin) Brzycki of Belchertown and his greatest pride, their son Dan Brzycki of Waltham. Ed was born in Philadelphia on October 11, 1952, to Adelaide (Steinbach) Brzycki of Ware and the late Lawrence Brzycki. As a young adult, Ed had a keen interest in cars and worked as an auto mechanic for many years. He moved to western MA in 1978 and a year later opened Amherst Tire Center with his future in-laws. In 1990, Ed went to work as a glazier at Amherst Glass with Grover Ballou. After his diagnosis in December 2009, Ed was still able to live life to the fullest by going on cruises, taking trips to the Cape and Maine, and being able to travel to Italy. Ed enjoyed telling people how he would go for chemotherapy and then go play golf afterwards. Summers were spent with family at Misquamicut Beach where Ed could be found on deep sea fishing trips, surf fishing, cooking dinners, and just enjoying time with family and friends. Ed had a variety of interests and skills that he prided himself on; from home maintenance to small carpentry projects to preparing meals for his family. He also enjoyed his garden and took pride in attracting numerous birds to his homemade birdhouses. Always enjoying sports, Ed was a devoted fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and Boston Red Sox. As a long-standing member of Pine Grove Golf Course in Northampton, Ed formed many dear friendships while playing in the handicap league with his partners Mike Lambert and Joe Ashton. While his son was growing up, Ed also devoted a number of years to coaching baseball in Belchertown. He took pride in the players he was able to coach and enjoyed the friendships he made with parents and coaches alike. Ed will be deeply missed by many family members. His loving sister Maryfrances (Brzycki) Harper and his brother Larry Brzycki, both of Ware; his niece Missy (Harper) Pariseau and her husband Dennis and their son Bryce; his nephew Billy Harper and his wife Courtney and their children William and Grace. He also leaves behind his mother-in-law Patricia Jasmin of Amherst; sisters-in-law Marion Jasmin of Greenfield; Theresa Niemczura and her husband David of Palmer; and Cathy West and her husband Tim of Hadley; and Auntie Gingy Vandomo of Granby. "Uncle Eddie" will be particularly missed by his nieces and nephews Nick and Lexi West and Matt and Ali Niemczura. Ed was predeceased by his brother-in-laws William Harper and Michael Jasmin. The family would like to thank Dr. Bowers and the staff at Hampshire Hematology Oncology for their care of Ed over the past three years. We would also like to thank the nurses and staff in the Critical Care Unit and on 3 North at Cooley Dickinson Hospital for the kindness and care they showed Ed in his last weeks. Calling hours will be held at the Beers and Story Belchertown Funeral Home from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 25. A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 26, at 9:00 AM at the Beers and Story Belchertown Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 24 Jabish Street, Belchertown. Burial will follow at South Cemetery in Belchertown. Memorial contributions can be made to Cooley Dickinson Cancer Care Program, P.O. Box 5001, Northampton, MA 01061. "