Obituary of David Matthew Barszcz

Belchertown-David M. Barszcz, 70, passed away unexpectedly on July 24, 2023 of cardiac arrest after a heroic battle with esophageal cancer.  Born in Ludlow, MA on August 5, 1952, he was the son of Edward W. and Alfreda (Gawron) Barszcz.  Dave grew up in Ludlow and lived in Northern Virginia where he honorably served in the US Marine Corps, stationed at Marine Corps Headquarters in Washington, D.C.  In 1978, Dave and his wife, Nancy, moved to Belchertown where they raised their two daughters and made their home.   

Dave was a commercial banker for 38 years and loved being a part of his community. Among the many organizations that he was involved with, he was most proud of his time serving as President of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Exalted Ruler of the Elks Club, and Corporator of the Ludlow Boys and Girls Club.  As president of the Calvin Coolidge Commemorative Society he was honored to present President Ronald Reagan with an award in 1990.  

A family man, Dave took so much joy in being with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was especially excited the day he became a Dziadziu. On any average day, you might find Dave on the golf course, working in his vegetable garden, or cooking in his kitchen, always experimenting with different recipes. Nothing brought him more joy than to cook for those he loved. His specialties being homemade pierogis and chicken francaise as well as anything to come from the grill or smoker. To say he was an avid Patriots fan is an understatement, he never missed a game. His love of classic rock and spending time with friends was such a big part of what made him happy. 

He will be remembered as a hard-working man who supported his family and loved those closest to him. 

His love will forever remain with his family; his wife of 49 years, Nancy (Hoy) Barszcz as well as their two daughters, Katie Chudy and her husband Richard of Waltham, and Beth Lavallee and her husband Matthew of Belchertown, as well as his two grandchildren, Benjamin and Madeline. He will also be missed by his brother, Robert Barszcz and his wife, Carol also of Belchertown along with several nieces and nephews.  Besides his parents, Dave was predeceased by his brother, Daniel.  Visitation will be Tuesday, August 1 from 4-7pm at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home.  A funeral service will be held Wednesday August 2 at 11 a.m. at St. Francis Church.  Please gather directly at the church.  Military honors and rites of committal will take place at 1pm at the MA Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Agawam.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Dana Farber Cancer Institute for Research.