Bronislaw “Bronie” Anthony Poplawski, Jr.1937-2026

Bronislaw “Bronie” Anthony Poplawski, Jr., 89, passed away on August 23, 2026, at Baystate Medical Hospital following a brief illness.

Bronie was born in Northampton, MA, on April 15, 1937 to the late Bronislaw A. and Helen A. (Golebieski) Poplawski of Amherst, MA. He grew up in Easthampton, where he graduated from the Immaculate Conception School and later attended St. Michael’s High School in Northampton.

Bronie was a member of Boy Scout Troop 206 of Easthampton achieving the rank of Eagle Scout with a Bronze Palm.

Bronie enlisted in the Air National Guard in 1955 and completed basic training at Sampson AFB in Romulus, NY. He served in the Air Force with the 104th Tactical Fighter Group at Barnes Airport in Westfield, MA, attaining the rank of SSgt and was assigned to the Crash and Fire Rescue unit. He was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for military service performed during the Berlin Crisis, with the 102nd Tactical Fighter Wing at Phalsbourg Air Base, France. He maintained connections with fellow veterans throughout his life as a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the Sampson AFB Veterans Association, and the American Legion Post 1 in Paris, France.

Following his military service, Bronie built a long career as a heavy equipment operator and driver. He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 98 of East Longmeadow, MA. Bronie dedicated 28 years to Hallen Construction of Long Island, NY, traveled for various pipeline companies, and eventually retired from Delluca Fence. He took great pride in his trade; a drive anywhere with Bronie was accompanied by him pointing out the window to note that he had helped lay that pipeline or install that guardrail as the family passed by. Even in retirement, Bronie stayed active, working part-time for Ford of Northampton.

Bronie held a private pilot's license for leisure flying, sharing his love for the skies with family and friends. He enjoyed flying over the Oxbow, heading up north with friends for a bite to eat, and “buzzing” over the family house. In his earlier years, he hunted with his brothers, and at home, he took pride in maintaining a meticulous lawn and yard. He also traveled frequently, spending over 20 years taking trips to Aruba alongside his wife, his brother and sister-in-law, and other relatives.

A central part of Bronie's life was his 35-year membership in Alcoholics Anonymous. Over the decades, he gave back to the community by speaking at numerous meetings and sponsoring many members on their own journeys of recovery.

Bronie is survived by his beloved wife, Joan (Desmarais) Poplawski, with whom he shared 67 years of marriage. He is also survived by his children: Linda Lover and her husband Robert of West Springfield; Susan Hagelstein and her husband Eric of Southampton; Terri Choma and her husband Gary of Raleigh, NC; and Robert Poplawski of Northampton. He leaves behind his two brothers, Robert Poplawski of Nokesville, VA, and Ronald Poplawski of Newark, IL, as well as 7 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Bronie was predeceased by his son, David Poplawski of North Carolina, as well as his parents and his brother, Richard Poplawski of Southampton.

Bronie was a long-time communicant of Our Lady of the Valley Parish.

Calling hours will be on Thursday September 3rd from 4-6PM at Boucher – O’Brien Funeral Home, 7 Pleasant St. Easthampton. His funeral will be on Friday September 4th meeting at the funeral home for 9AM, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Easthampton at 10AM. His burial will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to The American Heart Association.