Richard Allan Sitnik

Richard A. Sitnik, 77 of Springfield, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Springfield, MA, the son of the late Stanley and Evelyn (Fassell) Sitnik. He was predeceased by his loving wife Melanie of 50 years and his brother William. Richard graduated from Technical High School in 1964, served in the Coast Guard and graduated from Western New England College with an Accounting Degree. He leaves behind those he cherished dearly; his son, Jeffrey Sitnik and his wife Diane; his daughter Melissa Labonte and her husband Scott, as well as his three beloved grandchildren Christina and John Sitnik and Tyler Labonte. He also leaves behind many loving nephews, nieces, cousins, brother and sisters in-laws and many beloved friends. Richard held many positions at Mass Mutual Life Insurance Company, he played the part of Santa for over 40 years and retired in 2006, then went on to work at R W Hall Engineer Inc. and the Diocese of Springfield. He will be remembered for his kindness, patience, strong will, and love of his family and friends. He was an amazing husband and father and was known for his delicious bbq, golumpki, pierogies and corned beef dinners. He enjoyed spending time at the family cottage in Sturbridge as well as family trips to places like PA Dutch Country, Texas to visit family, Canada, Washington DC, cruises, and many other places of interest. He spent countless nights playing intellivision with Red and New Year’s Eve was a special day that was celebrated with skits and card games with the Palmer family and fun times with the neighborhood clan. He participated in the MassMutual leagues as a bowler and golfer. A special thank you to his sister in law Sandy for spending time with his beloved wife Melanie during her illness and visiting Richard during his illness as well, our family appreciates it more than we can put into words, we love you. In his later years, the center of his life was watching his grandchildren grow up and seeing them participate in sports soccer, basketball, softball, baseball and musical performances.  He was deeply devoted to his faith, a longtime communicant of Saint Patrick’s Parish in Springfield, an avid boy scout with Troop 275 of East Longmeadow and member of the Order of the Arrow, spent a great deal of time with his son Jeff attending many campouts and was heavily involved working together with the late John Ray. He and his wife were members of the Connecticut Valley Region Car Club where they attended car shows and overnight trips with their antique cars, and a member of the Springfield Golden Agers Club. Dad, thank you for all your support and love, we will always love you. Your strength will endure in us forever, and the memories we shared will not be forgotten. Now go on your new journey and enjoy your time with your family and friends that have gone before, one day we’ll see you again. Love you with all our hearts. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations would be greatly appreciated to the Boy Scouts of America at wmascouting.org in Richard’s name or to your favorite cause as he loved helping as many people as he could. Family and friends will gather and remember Richard on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 from 9a.m.-11a.m. at the Byron Keenan Funeral Home and Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen Street, Springfield, Followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11:30a.m. in St. Patrick’s Church, 1900 Allen Street, Springfield. Burial and Military honors will follow in the Massachusetts Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam.