Hadley, MA – Max “Nick” Wojtowicz, 78, of Hadley, passed away on January 25, 2026. Born on May 23, 1947, in Northampton, he was the son of Max and Nina (Bristol) Wojtowicz and lived a life defined by determination, hard work, service, and an unwavering devotion to family.
Nick shared 54 years of marriage with his high school sweetheart, Paula (Wanczyk) Wojtowicz. Together they built a family-centered life rooted in love, generosity, and a firm belief that family always comes first.
He was the proud father of three children: Richard Wojtowicz (Susan Wright), Nicholas Wojtowicz (Michelle Germano), and Katie Wojtowicz (Ian MacGregor). Nick is also survived by his sister, Pat Combs, and her children Jim and John Bysiewski.
Nick was a devoted Dziadzu to six grandchildren: Ethan and Max Wojtowicz, children of Richard and Susan; Zoey and AJ Wojtowicz, children of Nicholas and Michelle; and Reese and Ryan MacGregor, children of Katie and Ian, all of whom brought him tremendous pride and joy.
Nick graduated from Hopkins Academy in Hadley, and later earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Western New England College.
A proud United States Army veteran, Nick served during the Vietnam conflict from 1968 to 1970, achieving the rank of Specialist Five (SP5-E5). During his service, he was stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana, where he developed a lifelong love of Mexican food – the spicier, the better. His patriotism and deep respect for service members remained central to who he was throughout his life.
Nick’s professional career was spent in higher education, where he worked at the University of Massachusetts, Holyoke Community College, and College of the Holy Cross, before concluding his career in 2007 as Vice President of Finance and Administration at Westfield State University. He was known for his strong work ethic, meticulous planning, and steadfast dedication.
He was also a loyal sports fan and loved watching Purdue basketball and football, proudly cheering on the teams of his oldest grandson’s university. His passion for sports extended into his professional life as well. Early in his working career, Nick founded Athletic Films, a company that took him throughout the Northeast filming college and high school football games, a venture that perfectly combined his entrepreneurial drive with his lifelong love of athletics.
Nick found his greatest happiness in time spent with family and in lively conversations with friends, often held in his garage with polka music playing in the background. A huge Disney fan, he especially loved trips to Florida with his children and grandchildren to visit “that mouse.” Through his involvement in organizing and supporting Hopkins Academy marching band trips to Walt Disney World, where students proudly marched in parades at the Magic Kingdom, Nick earned the affectionate nickname “Mr. Disney.” He was particularly proud of the role he played in making those experiences possible, and nothing made him smile more than watching his children, and later his grandchildren, experience that same joy.
Nick will be remembered as a loyal family man, generous friend, hardworking professional, and proud patriot. His life was one of quiet strength, steady love, and deep pride in the people he cared for most.
Calling hours will be held Sunday, February 1, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Czelusniak Funeral Home in Northampton. Funeral services will take place Monday, February 2, at 10:00 a.m. at the Czelusniak Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Holy Rosary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, supporting Gold Star families, injured veterans, and first responders, https://t2t.org/donate/ or 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.
Please go to Czelusniakfuneralhome.com for online condolences and tribute book.
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