Paul John Kokoszyna, 92, passed away on April 4, 2023, at Mary’s Meadow in Holyoke. Born in Easthampton on March 10, 1931, he was the son of Wincenty and Michalina (Szydlowski) Kokoszyna.
Growing up in Easthampton he lived on Mount Tom Avenue. He was a graduate of Sacred Heart School and Easthampton High School. Paul then served during the Korean War in the Navy as a Weatherman. Upon his return home he owned Sportsman’s Café in Easthampton. At the same time, he studied and received a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Westfield State Teachers College and began his career working as a teacher at various high schools in Holyoke and Springfield. While teaching, he met his wife Alice, a fellow teacher. They were married in 1964 and shortly after, were blessed with the arrival of their first son, Paul Richard. They moved for a short time to Michigan, and in 1968 he graduated from Michigan State College, receiving his Master of Arts for Teachers degree. Their second child, a daughter Elizabeth, was born during their time in Michigan. After graduation they moved back to Southampton, where they resided for the rest of their life. Soon after settling in Southampton, their son David was born. Paul returned to teaching full-time as a math teacher at Central High School in Springfield where he worked until retirement.
Paul loved boating and fishing on the Connecticut River. At his home on High Street in Southampton, he loved driving his blue New Holland tractor, gardening, raising tomatoes, zucchini, and summer squash. He canned anything that could be canned and greatly enjoyed cooking, oftentimes preparing his favorite - traditional Polish food. Paul was always mechanically inclined and would often perform maintenance on his own appliances, equipment, and vehicles. He loved technology, embracing computers, and electronics of all kinds. He was loving and generous, always providing for his family’s needs.
He will be dearly missed by his beloved wife, Alice Jean (Lamparter) Kokoszyna, his daughter, Elizabeth “Betsy” Brandon of East Greenbush, NY, along with his son, David, and his wife Mary Ann Kokoszyna of Sunderland. He was a loving grandfather to Ryan and Sean Kokoszyna, along with Luke and Rory Brandon. He was predeceased by his son, Paul R. Kokoszyna, his brother Peter Kokoszyna and his sister Jennie Springer. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews, along with all his beloved neighbors, who he considered dear friends.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, April 18th from 6-8PM at the Boucher O’Brien Funeral Home 7 Pleasant St. Easthampton. Paul’s funeral will begin on Wednesday, April 19th, at 9AM from the Boucher- O’Brien Funeral Home with a 10AM Funeral Liturgy at Our Lady of The Valley Parish. His burial with military honors will follow at Saint Stanislaus Cemetery, Easthampton.
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