David A. Ladizki

David Alexander Ladizki passed away on October 5, 2021 in his home, with his devoted friend by his side. David was born in Springfield on July 27, 1941 and was the son of the late Alexander and Gina Angelina (Solari) Ladizki. Dave grew up in Springfield and then Agawam, MA. He attended Holy Family Grammar School and subsequently attended Cathedral High School in Springfield, Massachusetts taking college preparatory courses. While attending Cathedral High School he worked part-time at the Springfield Safe Deposit and Trust Company as a messenger and at Bassett Boat Company in Springfield. He graduated from Cathedral High School in 1959 which Dave felt was “The Best" graduating class in the last year of the old school, prior to the new Cathedral High School being built. He then attended St. Michael’s College in Colchester, VT and graduated in 1963. While at St. Michael's Dave majored in political science and government and was in the ROTC program. He was accepted to become a fighter navigator while in ROTC. Dave then attended Union University Albany School of Law and graduated in 1966 with Bachelor of Law Degree followed by receiving his Juris Doctorate Degree from Albany Law. He passed the Barr exam and became a lawyer in 1967. Dave joined the 104th Air National Guard in November 1966 and attended basic training at Lackland Air Force Base and then attended technical school in Amarillo, TX. He joined the law firm of Lyman and Godfrey in Springfield. Subsequently, Dave opened his own law office in Agawam, first at 375 Walnut Street, then 100 Main Street and then 46 Suffield Street. During that same initial period of time, Dave was the Town Prosecutor for the Town of Agawam. Dave had an incredible work ethic, was dedicated to the community and provided his professional and monetary support to a vast number of organizations.

He was involved in real estate development including Alexander Drive, Calico Lane and Burlington Estates in Agawam, Pleasant Valley Drive and Tigger Lane in South Hadley and Shadow Pond Lane in Suffield, CT. Dave and his wife also owned the Agawam Shopping Center which they sold in 2014.

Dave belonged to numerous organizations including The Agawam Rotary Club, where he was a founding and Charter member, and a longtime member of Elm-Belcher Lodge of Masons, the Knights of Columbus, the International Order of Odd Fellows, the Agawam Grange, he was a life member of the Elks Club of Springfield Lodge #61, the Melha Shriners, the Shriners (York Rite and Scottish Rite), was a longtime member of the Bela Grotto and past Monarch of the organization, was a member of the Italian Culture Center of Western Massachusetts, and The Colony Club in the former Baystate West in Springfield and its associated clubs. He was the Attorney for Jericho Bureau of Exceptional Children & Adults for many years. Dave received the Melha Shriners Morning Star Royal Arch of the Scottish Rite. Dave was a member of St. Joseph's Church and Sacred Heart Church in Suffield CT, St John's the Evangelist Church in Agawam, and St. Thomas Church in West Springfield.

Dave had a number of professional memberships including the Commercial Law League, International Commercial Law League, Bankruptcy Bar Association, Estate Planning Council Lawyers of Hampden County, MA Bar Foundation, Hampden County and Hampshire County Bar Association in the MA District Court, CT District Court and the US Supreme Court. Also the Real Estate and Bankruptcy Law section of Springfield, REBA Law Association, the Nation Elder Law Association and Dave was a member and was on the Springfield Board of Realtors.  He was also a former member of the Boston BAR Association. He was a Notary Public in both Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Dave and his wife Beverly generously supported the community in many ways. They actively donated funds to a variety of charitable organizations, hospitals, schools, church projects and fundraisers including; scholarships to St. Michael's University and Agawam Schools, and Jericho (which services people who have special needs) where they funded the swimming pool renovation, playground improvements, outside handicap ramp, and current important projects underway. A dedication to Beverly and David is being held at Jericho on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at 4pm, and the public is welcome to attend the dedication. Dave and Beverly were also continuous donors to the Catholic Diocese of Springfield and Hartford. Currently, there is a very expansive charity program through the Hartford Foundation to provide funds each year for 25 separate charities in perpetuity.

Dave married Beverly Malone, the love of his life, on October 13, 1979. Beverly Malone Ladizki predeceased him in May 2020. Besides his parents and wife, Dave was also predeceased by his brother Peter Ladizki. Dave is survived by his sister Cynthia Lorge of Southwick, his nephews Michael Lorge of West Springfield, and Christopher Lorge of Southwick, and great nephews. Dave leaves many friends including Gisèle C. Brunet who Dave will forever cherish her care and devoted friendship, Jack Kelley, Bill Morin, Hyman Darling, his monthly poker card group and the breakfast grill group. Dave has always treasured the support and friendship of Father Warren Savage, Father Jack Scheaffer, Father Mark Jette, Monsignor Chris Connelly, Father Michael Pierz, and Deacon David Picard. Dave was very fortunate and appreciative of Dr. Alexandra Golby at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and supporting staff, and Dr. Eudocia Lee at Dana Farber in Boston and supporting staff, Mercy Hospital, Sister Caritas Cancer Center and all the doctors in Springfield. Beverly and David were elected into the Dana Farber Society.

In lieu of flowers and to honor David A. Ladizki, memorial contributions may be made to the Beverly L. and David A. Ladizki Donor Advised Fund at The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. Please make checks payable to Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, Inc. 10 Columbus Blvd, 8th Floor, Hartford, CT 06106.

Colonial Forastiere Funeral & Cremation on 985 Main Street in Agawam, MA is in charge of funeral services. Visiting hours will be Tuesday, October 12, 2021 from 4:00-6:00pm at the funeral home. Dave's funeral will be Wednesday, October 13, 2021 beginning 9:00am at the funeral home, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:00am in St John's the Evangelist Church in Agawam, and burial will follow in St. Michael's Cemetery, Springfield, MA. On Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at 11:00am there will be a memorial mass in David’s honor in Sacred Heart Church, 446 Mountain Road in Suffield, CT. For more information or to leave a condolence on Dave’s eternal tribute, please visit www.forastiere.com.