Westhampton, MA – Charles A. Florek, of Westhampton MA, died peacefully at home with family by his side on April 15, 2026. Charlie was born in Westfield MA in 1932 to the late Kazimir & Victoria Florek. He was raised, alongside his 10 siblings, on the former Florek Dairy Farm in Westfield MA where he developed many fond memories of family, farm life and hard work.
Charlie (aka Charles, Uncle Chuck, Dziadziu) served in the Airborne division of the US Army from 1952-1954 where his knowledge of the polish language was deemed valuable for potential deployment overseas during the Korean War. Upon returning home from the military, he worked at the Florek Dairy delivering milk for the family business. During that time, he also began working as a firefighter for the Westfield Fire Department. He spent his entire firefighting career there, starting in 1958 and retiring in 1990 after serving as a Captain for 2 years.
Charlie was a sweet, kind and loving father, Dziadziu, uncle and friend to many. He loved to spend time at gatherings of family and friends. He enjoyed being the center of attention and always took advantage of the opportunity to give a heartfelt speech or to dance to a polish Oberek with the closest willing partner. He had a decades long enjoyment of attending sporting events, musical/theater performances, and cheering competitions for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Charlie was also well known for his green thumb. He had a passion for tending to his vegetable and flower gardens and working in his greenhouse. He was very proud of his Christmas cactus plants and his gladiolias, which were always absolutely beautiful.
In his more recent years, one of his favorite past times was going for a ride, just to ride; and of course, to get scratch tickets. His children will remember him most for the love he gave them, the lessons they learned from him and the selfless courage and strength he showed them all the days of his life.
Charlie is predeceased by the “love of his life” Bernice W. Florek with whom he shared 66 12 years of marriage and nearly 70 years of friendship & devotion. Charlie is also predeceased by his parents Kazimir & Victoria Florek, 7 brothers, 3 sisters, and many sister & brother in laws.
He is survived by his children (spouses/partners) Rich (Holly) Florek, Holly Florek (Elaine Harrison), Geneva (Rich) Pedersen, Amy (Megan) Florek, and Tim (Lisa) Florek. He also leaves behind many grandchildren Josh (Krystal) Pedersen, Kiersten (Derek) Revord, Gallivan Florek (Emerson Folta), Tim Florek, Leo Florek, Charlie Florek, Riley Florek, Ben Florek, and Alex Florek; as well as 4 great grandchildren, Harper & Haakon Pedersen and Mila & Camden Revord. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Jean Florek and brother-in-law Donald Barret.
Boucher-O’Brien Funeral Home in Easthampton is working with the family to fulfill Charlie’s end of life wishes. There will be no Calling Hours, Funeral Services or Burial. A Celebration of Life will be held at The Northampton Elks Lodge #997, 17 Spring Street, Florence MA 01062 on Saturday May 16, 2026 from 1p-4p. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice at giving.vnaandhospice.org.
Click here to sign the guest book or honor their memory with flowers, donations, or other heartfelt tributes