Alfred Michael "Freddie" Gurka

 Alfred Michael "Freddie" Gurka, age 85, passed away on New Year's Day, January 1, 2025, at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield surrounded by the love from his family. Freddie was born at home in Ware, Massachusetts on November 11, 1939. He was the son of the late Walter and Mollie (Ciepiela) Gurka. Freddie was raised and educated in Ware. On November 7, 1962, Freddie enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served with the 1st Engineering Battalion at Fort Riley, Kansas, attended the specialized engineering school at Fort Belvoir, Virginia and was Honorably Discharged from the Army holding the rank of SP4. Upon his return he married the love of his life, Barbara Kopec, on August 29, 1964, at Saint Mary’s Church in Ware. Freddie worked locally as a builder and finish carpenter with his brother Richard, constructing projects such as “Highland Village”.  He eventually branched off to work independently in addition to building his forever home with Barbara where they raised their family. Freddie completed his career employed by the former Mary Lane Hospital where he proudly participated in the creation of the surgical day stay unit. Freddie was happiest when he was shopping, returning everything he purchased the day before and working in his yard! Freddie was a great sports fan and enjoyed watching football on TV and listening to baseball games on the radio. Freddie’s favorite pastime though, was attending his grandsons’ sporting events. He always made sure he had a front row seat! Freddie took immense pride in the success and achievements of his daughters, grandsons and in his home and yard. Those who knew him could appreciate his love for perfection and telling others what to do! Freddie leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Barbara, daughters; Jackie Stacy and her husband Chip, Cheri Chipman, Kim Lookner and her husband Mike, his grandchildren: Devan Stacy and his wife, Caroline Hanley, Logan Wojcik and his fiancé, Ashley Eskett, Troy Jurczyk and Lucas Jurczyk, step-grandsons, Brian and Zackary Chipman. Fred also leaves behind his sister, Rosemary Misiaszek and her husband Chet, sister-in-law Janet Kopec and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Besides his parents, Freddie was predeceased by his brother Richard Gurka and son-in-law, Richard "Chip” Chipman. A Funeral Mass will be offered on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 11 AM in St. Mary's Church, 57 South Street, Ware. Everyone will meet directly in the church on Saturday morning. Military Honors will be rendered following the funeral mass on the plaza in front of St. Mary's Church.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the “VA Center of Western MA GPF 1002”: Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) 421 North Main Street Leeds, MA 01053. Funeral Services are under the direction of Cebula Funeral Home, Ware For more information please visit: www.cebulafuneralhome.com

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