PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Mr. Raymond Stanley Kolodziej, 91, of Pittsfield, died Thursday evening, April 13, 2023 surrounded by his family. He was born in Adams on September 23, 1931, a son of the late Henry and Celia (Pliszka) Kolodziej. He attended Adams schools, graduating from the former Adams High School with the Class of 1950, and while there was an all-star softball and basketball player.

Ray and his wife of 62 years, the former Barbara M. Zatorski, were married on September 5, 1960 in Holy Family Church, Pittsfield.

Ray started working at a young age, and last worked for the Bell-Simons Co. as a sales representative for the plumbing and heating industry. Earlier, he had worked at Lipton Energy in Pittsfield and at the former Jack and Harry’s in North Adams.

He was a communicant of the former Holy Family Church, Pittsfield, where he was a member of its St. Cecelia Choir. He was a member of the Polish Falcons of America, where he and Barb ran indoor Polish picnics for the benefit of its dance and drill teams. He was also a member of the Polish Community Club in Pittsfield. He also enjoyed gardening, bowling, woodworking and arts and crafts.

Ray and Barb would travel all over New England and New York polka dancing, and his love of polka music and dancing has been passed down to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his four children, Peter Kolodziej of Pittsfield, Marianne Kolodziej (Paul) of Peru, MA; Francis Kolodziej (Vicky) of Pittsfield, and Joanne Kolodziej of Pittsfield; five grandchildren, Albert Kolodziej (Lexi), Karolina Kolodziej, Adrian Kolodziej (Felyce), Corey Scarfone and Holly Scarfone, all of Pittsfield; three great grandchildren, Freya, Jaxsin and Flora Kolodziej; two brothers, Frederick Kolodziej of Easthampton, MA and Robert Kolodziej of Uncasville, CT; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Charles Kolodziej, and by two sisters, Dorothy Frieri and Loretta Rysz-Vinette.

A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 29th at 12 Noon in St. Joseph’s Church, Pittsfield, celebrated by Rev. Msgr. Michael Shershanovich, Pastor. Burial will be at a later date in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Pittsfield. Calling hours at the PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac St. Adams, will be Friday from 5 to 7 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Kolodziej family for distribution to their favorite charities. To leave a message of condolence, or for directions, please go online to www.paciorekfuneral.com