Obituary of William F. Kmelius

Granby-William “Bill” F. Kmelius, 77, passed away peacefully with his loving wife Donna by his side on December 4, 2023.

Bill was born on July 13, 1946 in Holyoke, son of the late William and Mildred (Tessman) Kmelius. He grew up in Holyoke until the age of 12 and he then moved to Granby.

Bill was married to the love of his life Donna G. (Dziedzic) Kmelius whom he knew all of his life, reconnected and married for over 22 years. They grew up together, went to grade school together and have been inseparable since.

Prior to starting his 47 year career as an office clerk at RM Sullivan Trucking, Bill proudly served his country in the US Army for 2 years as a medic during Vietnam. In his spare time Bill enjoyed a variety of hobbies as well as being part of his community. He was a member of the American Legion Post #275, as a commander and finance officer. For over 40 years Bill was also a member of the Central MA Racing Pigeon Club and the Manchester CT Combine. Bill extended this passion with his wife by bringing pigeons home to care for them together. He was a member of the Open Hand Group, a church usher for the Immaculate Heart of Mary, The Men’s and Women’s Club and the Friends of the Granby Elderly all out of Granby, MA.

Bill loved spending time with his family and friends. He will be deeply missed by his wife Donna G. (Dziedzic), brother David Kmelius of Granby, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Arthur and Lissa Cloutier of West Springfield, MA as well as Mark and Erin Dziedzic of Arizona. Bill also leaves his nieces and nephews; Kimberly (Todd) Bullough and their children Erin and Taylor of South Hadley, David (Heather) Kmelius and their children Reese, Andrew and Brooke of Wilbraham MA, Marybeth Boczon of Holyoke MA, Amy (Alex) Roque of Holyoke, MA and Sean Dziedzic of Arizona. Visitation will be held Saturday, Dec 16 from 3pm to 6pm at the Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home with military honors to conclude. To further show his love and appreciation for his wife Donna and his community it was his wish that in lieu of flowers, to please only send donations to the American Legion, Department of Massachusetts, for the benefit of the Child Welfare Foundation in memory of William F. Kmelius, Statehouse, Room 546-2, Boston, Massachusetts 02133 or Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish for the benefit of the Men's and Women's Club, in memory of William F. Kmelius, 256 State Street, Granby, Massachusetts 01033.