HADLEY — Michael Klimoski worked for the town of Hadley for 42 years before retiring recently.
“He lived and died the town 24/7,” said Selectman Donald Pipczynski, a longtime friend. “Even if he was sick he came in. We had to push him out the door to take his vacation time.”
On Saturday, Klimoski will receive a final send-off when the town celebrates his service at a retirement party from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Hadley American Legion, 162 Russell St.
The menu: roast pork, red potatoes, green beans, salad, rolls and homemade dessert. Pipczynski said tickets are almost sold out, but a limited number will be available at the door. To RSVP, call Pipczynski’s home number at 413-461-1189.
Pipczynski said Klimoski was somewhat quiet, and Klimoski did not return calls for this article.
But his roots in Hadley are no less deep.
He grew up on his family farm and graduated from Hopkins Academy in 1973, setting the still-unbroken school record for the 50-yard dash — 5.8 seconds.
He advanced through Town Hall, becoming the highway and water superintendent and tree warden in 1985, and has pursued grants and improvements to road, water and tree systems, according to a party invitation.
He had a particular affinity for the town’s trees, overseeing the Shade Tree Committee when it was established in 1996 and helping develop a system for tree replacement. He also helped create a tree nursery at Hadley Elementary School.
He has received several awards, Pipczynski said, including the 2011 Superintendent of Schools Distinguished Service Award for selfless contributions to the Hadley Public Schools. He also received from the Hopkins Academy 350th Committee the Outstanding Alumni of Hopkins Academy award in 2014.
“He was a very conscientious employee,” Pipczynski said. “He just loves this town.”
Jack Suntrup can be reached at jsuntrup@gazettenet.com