Drozdal Funeral Home

10/13/2026

Rita M. (Houle) Brzozowski, 86, of Hatfield, passed away on Friday October 9, 2026, at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. She was born August 28, 1940, in Holyoke, MA to the late Arthur and Annette (Tanguay) Houle. Rita was educated in Holyoke schools and was a graduate of Precious Blood High School, where she learned her prayers in French, and proudly remembered them throughout her life.
Rita fell in love with Joseph Brzozowski and the couple married on September 1, 1958. They raised their three children, Sharon, John and James, in Hatfield. She spent many years working at the former Agway, Noonan Oil and Osterman Propane. Rita belonged to the former Holy Trinity Church in Hatfield and the Rosary Sodality, and she enjoyed singing in the church choir.
Rita remained active for many years, enjoying neighborhood walks until her health no longer allowed them. She enjoyed traveling with Joe and loved to reminisce about their cross-country trip, as well as their trips to Alaska and Australia. An avid tag-sale shopper, she delighted in finding treasures throughout the valley. She also loved cooking and welcoming the whole family into her home for holiday gatherings.
She is survived by her loving husband Joseph Brzozowski of Hatfield, her son James and his wife Diane of Hatfield, her sister Claire Doiron and her husband Albert of Summerfield, FL, her grandchildren, Lauren Peachey and her husband Thomas of East Longmeadow, Joshua Adams of Northampton, and Steven...

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10/08/2026

Ronald Arthur Brink, 77, of Brattleboro, VT, passed away Sunday October 4, 2026, at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, NH. He was born in Bethel, VT to the late Gerald and Phyllis (Jay) Brink. Ronald attended schools in Bethel, Vermont and was a graduate of Whitcomb High School, class of 1969.
Ronald met and fell in love with Joan Allaire. They married on June 5, 1976, and built a life together in Florence, MA, where they raised their daughters, Melissa and Amanda. Their marriage spanned 28 years, until Joan passed away in 2004.
He worked as a machine operator and technician at Tubed Products in Easthampton, MA, for over 20 years. While raising his children, Ronald treasured family vacations, especially trips to Disney and Maine. His many interests included woodworking, gardening, and cooking. He also enjoyed boating, fishing, and camping, and adored the family’s beagles, Mickey and Minnie. Above all, Ronald was a hard worker who cared deeply for his family.
He is survived by his daughters, Melissa McGovern and her husband David of Milford, MA, and Amanda Brink of Webster, MA, his two grandchildren Kennedy and Colin, brothers, Alan “Dexter” Brink of Lyndonville, VT, Walter Brink of Warren, VT, his sisters, Nelberta Lunde and Deborah Brink both of Barre, VT, and several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife Joan (Allaire) Brink.
There will be a calling hour from 10 AM - 11:30 AM at the DROZDAL...

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09/22/2026

Audrey Easter, 83, of Northampton, passed away peacefully at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield on April 13, 2026 surrounded by loved ones. Audrey grew up on Long Island, raised a family in Northern Virginia and then lived in Northampton for many years. A longtime resident of St. Michael's House on State Street, Audrey could often be seen walking around downtown- a tall, friendly, gray-haired woman who loved to chat and share a laugh.

Born Audrey Elizabeth McCook Miller on September 8th, 1942, in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, she spent her childhood in Jericho, New York on Long Island. She was the daughter of Harry Joseph Miller and Audrey Elizabeth Pile. Her father worked for McKinsey and Co. consulting firm before starting his own business- Magic Mirror Movies, an optical animation toy made for record players.

Audrey, called "Audie" as a child, grew up with three brothers- Sterling, Jay, and Jeff. She was a shy girl who loved books and horses. She spent many hours riding ba****ck on a horse named "Cochise." "My happiest memory is flying along with the breeze, whizzing past me over fields and through the woods on trails, riding down the Long Island Expressway as they built it, chasing the earth movers," said Audrey.

After attending Garrison Forest School, Audrey went to Duchesne Residence School, a two-year Catholic college on the Upper East Side, where she studied early childhood education. At age 19 she married Chris Raphael, a Williams College...

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09/17/2026

Stacy (Dion) Polito, 57, of Easthampton, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. She was born in Northampton on January 12, 1969, the daughter of the late Richard Dion and Ruby (Purcell) Larese of Easthampton.
Stacy had a gift for making people laugh and found great joy in cooking for those she loved. A visit with Stacy often meant leaving with a smile on your face and a full belly.
Throughout her life, Stacy showed tremendous strength and resilience, especially during her fight with stage IV cancer. She also endured the loss of her loving stepfather, William Larese. Stacy loved her mother with all her heart, and her three children were her world. Above all, spending time with her family brought her the greatest joy.
She is survived by her loving mother, Ruby Larese of Easthampton; her cherished children, Jered Polito of Springfield, Jordan Polito of Palmer, and Lauren Dzialo of Easthampton; her sisters, Terry Dion and Dawn Batchelder, both of Easthampton; and several nieces and nephews.
Stacy was predeceased by her father, Richard Dion, and her stepfather, William Larese.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Brookside Cemetery in Easthampton. Drozdal Funeral Home of Northampton has been entrusted with her care.
For more information or to leave the family a personal condolence, please visit Drozdalfuneralhome.com.

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09/14/2026

Roberta J. (Zack) Slysz, 84, of Hatfield, passed away peacefully on Sunday September 13th at Cooley Dickinson Hospital surrounded by her loving family, after a brief illness. She was born in Northampton on January 24, 1942, to the late John and Helen (Jablonski) Zack.
Roberta attended Hatfield schools and graduated from Smith Academy before continuing her education at UMass. She worked as an accountant for many years, first at Cooley Dickinson Hospital and later at the Hampshire Council of Government, before retiring.
Roberta was an avid gardener and enjoyed crafting. A devoted communicant of Our Lady of Grace in Hatfield, and the former Holy Trinity Church, Roberta was also a member of the Holy Name Rosary Society. Her faith was a central part of her life.
She is survived by her daughters, Annette St. Hilaire and her husband Bruce of Hatfield, Melissa Walsh and her husband Jeffrey of Northampton, daughter-in-law Bonnie Slysz of Tennessee, her grandchildren, Jennifer, Samantha, Bruce Jr., Ryan, Danielle, Jason and his wife Anne, Michelle and her husband Amedeo, and Tyler and his wife Casey, 13 great-grandchildren, her sisters, Constance Zack and Mary May, several nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Stanley “Slug” Slysz Jr., and her son Stanley Slysz III.
Calling hours will be Thursday September 17, 2026, from 4-6 PM at the DROZDAL FUNERAL HOME, 120 Damon Rd., Northampton. Funeral will be on Friday September...

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09/11/2026

08/31/2026

Thomas J. Hurley, of Venice, Florida, formerly from Hatfield, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2026, surrounded by family and friends in Venice, at the age of 84. He was born on May 29, 1942, in Northampton, to the late Thomas W. and Anne (Osterman) Hurley. Tom graduated from St. Michael’s High School in 1960 and later attended Western New England College.

Tom proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1964-1966, stationed in Anchorage Alaska. After his military service, he joined New England Telephone Company, where he worked for 37 years, advancing into management before retiring from Verizon in 2003.

In 1976, Tom and his wife, Barbara, moved to Hatfield with their two sons, Michael and Brian. Tom treasured supporting his sons in their many sporting activities and took great pride in being present for their accomplishments. Tom was also committed to serving the Hatfield community. He served on the Hatfield Finance Committee and completed three consecutive four-year terms as town Selectman. Among his favorite memories was helping the town celebrate Hatfield’s 225th anniversary.

After retirement and his wife Barbara’s corresponding retirement as an RN from the VA Hospital, the two moved to Venice, Florida where they enjoyed twenty-three wonderful years. Tom loved boating with the Venice Yacht Club and traveling throughout the United States. Most of all he cherished following the accomplishments of his sons and grandchildren. He was a...

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08/13/2026

Nancy A. (Zwirek) Banner, 67, of Hatfield, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Sunday August 9, 2026. She was born in Greenfield on June 18, 1959, to the late Anthony and Victoria (Fydenkevez) Zwirek.
She was raised in Deerfield and graduated from Frontier Regional High School. Over the years, Nancy held several jobs, including many years with JCPenney and, most recently, a position as a cashier at Walmart. Above all, her most important and cherished role was being a mother to her two children.
Nancy enjoyed many creative hobbies, including ceramics, painting, crocheting, and baking delicious birthday cakes for her grandchildren. She also loved walking along the beach, vacationing on Cape Cod, and admiring beautiful lighthouses, but most of all she cherished time spent with her family.
She is survived by her best friend, Christopher Banner of Hatfield, her son, Michael Banner of Hatfield, her daughter, Kelly Nolan and her husband Andrew of Shelburne, her grandchildren whom she cherished, Raelynn and Macie Banner, and Jack, Elias, and Madelyn Nolan, her sister Linda Schaefer and her husband James of Deerfield, and her in laws, James and Lisa, John Jr., and Howard Banner, Nancy and Hector Williams, Pamela Maynard, and several nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her nephew Matthew and niece Jennifer Banner.
Calling hours will be Tuesday August 25, 2026, from 3-5 PM at the DROZDAL FUNERAL HOME OF NORTHAMPTON. Burial...

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08/13/2026

Robin "Rob" S. Chartier, 64 of Belchertown, passed away unexpectedly on Friday August 7, 2026, at the Cooley Dickinson Hospital. He was born in Holyoke on September 24, 1961, to the late Leonard Chartier and to Shirley (Page) Chartier.
Rob spent many years with Overnite Transportation before continuing his career with the U.S. Postal Service, where he later retired. He had a lasting appreciation for racing and spent many summer weekends at the Stafford Motor Speedway with friends. He enjoyed sports of all kinds and was a longtime fan of the Dallas Cowboys. He was an avid Harley Davidson rider and enjoyed his many adventures across the country.
In 1994, Rob built his home through sheer determination and hard work, taking pride in maintaining it throughout the years. He enjoyed hosting holiday gatherings and spending time with his neighbors. Above all, he adored his daughter and granddaughters, whose presence brought him joy and purpose.
He leaves his mother, Shirley Chartier of Belchertown; his daughter, Julia Chartier of Easthampton, and his granddaughters, Sierra and Maria Rizzo.
Besides his father, Lenny, he was also predeceased by his cat Rocco and his dog Emmitt.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. DROZDAL FUNERAL HOME OF NORTHAMPTON has been entrusted with his care.
For more information or to leave the family a personal condolence, please visit Drozdalfuneralhome.com.

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08/06/2026

Brenda Carr, 62, of Whately, passed away on Saturday July 25, 2026, surrounded by her family at Baystate Medical Center. She was born in Greenfield, MA on October 14, 1963, to Joel and Cecile (Demarais) Carr.
Brenda graduated from Hampshire Regional and went on to build a 43-year career as a graphic designer at Chartpak in Leeds. During her time there, she formed lasting friendships and earned the respect of her colleagues as a dedicated and valued supervisor.
Brenda met and fell in love with Donald Braman, and the two were married on May 8, 1998, in Rhode Island. They shared 28 wonderful years together, enjoying travel—especially cruises—and making cherished memories on bus trips to Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Florida. Brenda found joy in beautiful flowers, the ocean, and her collections of snowmen and cows. She especially loved the holidays, with Christmas holding a special place in her heart. She always enjoyed the shopping excursions with her sister, Vickie, and cherished the quality time she spent with her husband. Brenda and Donald were nearly always together, sharing life side by side. She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her.
She is survived by her loving husband, Donald Braman of Whately, her parents, Joel and Cecile Carr of Goshen, her stepdaughter, Amy Braman of Easthampton, her sister Vickie Barlow and her husband Mike of Conway, several aunts, uncles, cousins and step grandchildren, Kyle Kirkland of Westfield, and...

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