Online Obituaries

Frederick J. Soja, 97, life-long resident of Chicopee, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 27, 2023. Frederick was born on August 13, 1925, the son of the late Antoni and Eva (Raczkowska) Soja. He was a retired plant manager at Packaging Corporation of America. As a communicant of the Basilica of St. Stanislaus, he volunteered at the yearly bazaar and was very active in making pierogi at the church. Frederick was a veteran of the Navy during World War II, proudly serving as 3^rd Class Gunner on the S.S. Buckley. He was the current Executive Secretary for the former Polish American Veterans Club of Chicopee. Fred was an avid Yankees fan, never missing a game. He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 62 years, Stella (Stanek) Soja, as well as six brothers and three sisters. His greatest pleasure was spending time with his family. He is survived by his daughters, Virginia Degutis of Chicopee, Dorothy Blair of Enfield and son-in-law, Raymond Blair, his brother, Rudy of Chicopee, his sisters, Emily Czelusniak and Vi Rivest of Chicopee, Julie Provost and Edwina Markowski of Florida; five loving grandchildren, Christopher Genereux, Brian Genereux, Jeffery Blair and his partner Tina Kalashian, Jenilee Cochran and husband, Timothy Cochran, Michelle Courtney and husband Thomas Courtney and his adoring great grandchildren, Joseph Blair and Corbin and Will Cochran. Calling hours are on Sunday, March 5th from 2-4 pm at the Cierpial Memorial Funeral Home on 61 Grape St. in Chicopee.  Frederick’s funeral will be held on Monday, March 6th at 10 am with a prayer service at 11 am at the funeral home. Burial will follow at St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Chicopee.  Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.