John M. Platek

John M. Platek PETERSHAM- John M. Platek, 69, of 28 South Street, died unexpectedly early Saturday morning, February 27, 2010 at home after being stricken ill. Born in Greenfield on October 10, 1940, he was a son of Michael and Cora Marteno Platek and grew up in Greenfield. John was married to Shirley Ballentine on June 1, 1996 and have enjoyed over 13 years together. A self employed painting contractor, John started Platek Painting in 1995 and retired in 2004. He previously worked for Couture Brothers Painting Contractors in Turners Falls for a number of years. Devoted to his family, he enjoyed fishing, tag sales, and traveling and at one time belonged to a motorcycle club. John was a member of AA as well as the NRA. Survivors include his wife, Shirley Platek of Petersham; sons, John Platek Jr. of California, Michael Platek and his companion, Nicki, of Heath, John V. Platek and Jason Platek, both of Greenfield; daughters, Debbie Platek of California, Lisa Gageon of Montague, Carol Smith and her husband, Brian, of Orange; step children, William Nawotny and his wife, Vicki, of Athol, James Nawotny and his companion, James Whiteside, of Pascoag, RI, Carl Nawotny and his companion, Heather Hayes, and Bonny Nawotny and her companion, Derrick Nichols, all of Athol; grandchildren, Eric Nawotny, Kayliegh Nawotny, Frank Nawotny, Shyanne Nawotny, Joshua Nawotny, Kris Smith, Kyle Smith, Steven Fagan, Susan McGuinness, and Emilee Hayes; great grandchildren, Koda and Koi; brothers, Robert Platek and his wife, Margaret, of Orange, George Platek and his wife, Sandy, and Paul Platek and his wife, Karen, all of Greenfield; sisters, Cheryl Ennis and her husband, Gordon, and Theresa Platek, all of Greenfield; many nephews, nieces, and friends; and his two dogs, "Chewy" and "Cesar". There are no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 6, 2010 at 10:30 a.m., at the Sisters of the Assumption, 211 North Main Street, Petersham, MA. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory are suggested to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312 Witty's Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is directing the arrangements. Guest book and directions are available online at www.wittyfuneralhome.com