Obituary of Fred P. Brozek

Palmer- Fred Peter Brozek, 89, died peacefully after a long illness on March 14th at Baystate Medical Center, surrounded by his family.
Fred was born at home at 57 North Street in Three Rivers, Massachusetts, on June 10, 1934, to parents Szymon and Honorata Brozek.  He was predeceased by his twelve siblings: Stanley, Sophie, John, Edward, Frank, Mary, Joseph, Nellie, Vera, Joseph J., Stanley A., and Chester.
A life-long resident of Three Rivers, Fred attended Saints Peter and Paul Parochial School through eighth grade and graduated from Palmer High School in 1952. He enlisted in the United States Navy and served aboard the USS Prichett DD 561 until he was discharged in 1955.  He worked at Monsanto Company in Indian Orchard and as a postal clerk at the Bulk Mail Center in Springfield.  
On May 6, 1961, Fred married Betty Jacek, also of Three Rivers.  Together they celebrated more than 62 years of marriage. He is survived by their four children: Paul Brozek (Margaret) of Belchertown; Teresa Nicholl (Jeff) of Camarillo, CA; Ann Jablon of Chevy Chase, MD; and Carol Brozek of Columbia, MD.  He adored his five grandchildren: Joseph Brozek, and Charles, Lauren, James, and Jack Jablon.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Fred was baptized, educated, confirmed, and married at Saints Peter and Paul, now Divine Mercy Parish, in Three Rivers.  He served in a variety of positions, including chairman of the Parish Council, co-chairman of the Parish Picnic Committee, member of the Men’s Guild, and a caller at church bingo. He was an active member of the Saint Stanislaus Polish Lyceum of Three Rivers and recording secretary of the United Polish American Organization Council.  He was a life-long member of AMVETS and a member of the Polish American Veterans of Wilbraham. 
Fred loved polka music. His lawn hosted the large “Pulaski Park, Polka Capital of New England” sign for many years.  As a young man, he wrote the lyrics to many Happy Louie and Julcia songs, including Freddie’s Apples, Clock on the Wall, Our Beloved Senator, and Super Carl (Yastrzemski) polkas. For years, he cohosted J.D.’s Polish Variety Radio Show with John Dyl in Ware, and The New Polka Radio Show with Mitch Kupiec at Springfield Technical Community College. 
Fred enjoyed a long and healthy retirement. His perfect day included going to breakfast with his friends, mowing his perfectly manicured lawn, watching the Boston Red Sox, and spending time with his family. He will be missed by family and friends alike. 
His family extends sincere thanks to his many caretakers, including those at Enhabit Home Health and Encompass in Ludlow, Baystate Wing in Palmer, and Baystate Medical Center in Springfield for the kind and compassionate care they gave at the most difficult of times.
Visitation with the family will be held on Tuesday, March 19th, from 4:00-7:00 P.M. at the Beers and Story Palmer Funeral Home.  A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, March 20th at 10:00 AM at Divine Mercy Parish at 2267 Main Street in Three Rivers, with burial to follow at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery in Bondsville. Friends and family are welcome to gather at the funeral home at 9:00 AM for a procession to the church. Those who wish to remember Fred in a special way may make a gift in his memory to Divine Mercy Parish Organ Restoration Fund, 2267 Main Street, Three Rivers, MA 01080.