Online Obituaries

Walter A. Kumiega, Jr., 84, of Chicopee, passed away on Friday, January 3, 2025.  He was born on April 6, 1940 in Chicopee and was the son of the late Walter A. Kumiega, Sr. and Sophie (Przybyla) Kumiega.  Walter began his working life at his parents’ farm, Kumiega & Sons Poultry Farm in Springfield and the former Monsanto Chemical Company in Springfield. He later founded Kumiega & Sons, a building and maintenance company, which he operated until his retirement. He was a hard worker who enjoyed polka music, cheering for the Red Sox, fishing, cooking and his beagle, Buddy. Above all he cherished his family and family picnics.  He is survived by his wife, Christine (Malachowski) Kumiega; four children, Walter Kumiega, III and his wife, Penny, Christine Provost and her husband, Lloyd, Annette Kumiega, and James Kumiega and his husband, Manuel; four step-sons Howard, Andrew and his wife, Kate, Charles and Peter Kelly; mother of his children, lifelong companion and caretaker, Judith Devaux; and many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Besides his parents, Walter is also predeceased by his brother, John Kumiega, and grandson, Kevin Kumiega. Services are private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Beagle Freedom Project, a cause close to Walter’s heart, at bfp.org or 4804 Laurel Canyon Blvd., #534, Valley Village, CA 91607.