Walter Goclowski

Gilbertville - Walter Goclowski, age 72, passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield.  Walter was born on March 17, 1954, in Kramarzewo, Poland to Janina and Miecisław Goclowski. He came to the US with his family in 1963, and they settled in Worcester. Walter was very proud of his Polish heritage and was a longtime member of the Pilsudski Association (known colloquially as the Polish Hall) in Gilbertville. Walter had a strong work ethic, starting an after-school job at 15, and being a hard worker for the next 50 years. He worked in construction for most of his life and retired from his job as a forklift operator at Contech in Palmer in 2016. Walter was probably best known for his kielbasa, which was a staple every Thanksgiving and Easter. Production took an entire weekend and involved multiple friends and family members. Folks would come from all over the local area to purchase rings of them. Anyone who ever tried Walter's kielbasa would still say it was the best they ever had. Walter loved to golf and could often be found on the course on Saturday or Sunday mornings, surprising everyone with his long drives. Walter also enjoyed polka dancing. He met his wife at a polka dance and could be found on Sunday afternoons in the summer dancing with her and his two daughters. Always one with a joke and a smile, Walter loved to make everyone around him laugh. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Walter leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Irene, two daughters - Catherine and Elizabeth, three sisters - Terry, Wanda and Krys, and many nieces and nephews.  Calling Hours will be held on Friday, June 19, 2026, from 6 -8pm in Cebula Funeral Home, 66 South Street, Ware.  A Funeral Mass will be offered on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 10 am in St. Aloysius Church, Church Street, Gilbertville.  Everyone will meet directly in the church on Saturday morning.  Burial will follow the funeral mass in St. Aloysius Cemetery, Upper Church Street, Gilbertville. Funeral Arrangements and Services are under the direction of Cebula Funeral Home.  For more information and an online guest book, please visit:  www.cebulafuneralhome.com. 

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