Stephen J. Cialek

 Stephen J. Cialek, age 78, of Southampton, MA passed away on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at Baystate Medical Center following a long illness surrounded by his loving family.  He was born in Northampton, on April 7, 1945 to Stephen Cialek and Wanda (Szewczyk) Cialek.  Steve was a 1964 graduate of Easthampton High School.  He went on to receive his Associate Degree at HCC.  He was also a U.S. Navy Veteran.

Steve was appointed to the Easthampton Police Department in 1971.  He received Badge No. 1, Senior Patrolman in 1994.  His most memorable incident in his years as a police officer was in 1984 when he and fellow officer, Leo Riel, exchanged gunfire with bank robbers outside the former Pioneer Bank at the corner of Main and Northampton Streets.  He retired from the Department in 1997.

Steve met the love of his life, Patricia Sullivan, in 1964.  They married in 1966 and raised their two children in Easthampton.  He was a talented craftsman and woodworker.  He made many pieces of furniture.  His biggest achievement was building his family’s home in Southampton.  If you asked him how to fix or do something he would always tell you HOW TO DO IT THE RIGHT WAY!  Steve also enjoyed antique cars and was a member of the Western Mass Model-T Club.  He had great pride in restoring his 1930 REO that later went on to take first place in Hershey, PA.  Prior to his declining health he would often be out playing golf at local courses with family and friends.  

Steve is survived by his loving wife, Pat, and their two children; Michael Cialek and his wife Paula (Fern), Lynn Sanchez and her husband David, three grandchildren, Jessica Cialek, Brendan Cialek (fiancé Julissa Salazar) and Isabella Sanchez.  He also leaves sister in-laws Kathy Hupfer (Karl), Maureen Spright, Margaret Sullivan and Jayne Sullivan; brother in-laws Richard Sullivan (Carol), William Sullivan, many nieces, nephews, cousins and his best friend Leo Riel.  Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Elisabeth (Betty) mother and father in-law Timothy and Stella Sullivan, brother in-laws Timothy Sullivan, Jr., Edward Sullivan, Richard Speight and Peter Rusin.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 from 5-7pm at the Mitchell Funeral Home, 15 Park Street, Easthampton.  Friends and family are invited to attend a funeral mass at Our Lady of the Valley Church, 33 Adams Street, Easthampton on Thursday, June 15, at 10am.  Burial will follow at St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr Cemetery, Easthampton.

Gifts in memory of Steve may be made to support cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA, 02284 or via www.jimmyfund.org/gift,

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