Montague, MA – Edwin Wallace Fronckus passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on February 5, 2026, just shy of his 102nd birthday. Edwin was born to Ralph Fronckus and Anna (Klepacki) Fronckus on April 19, 1924 in Dorchester, MA. He attended Turners Falls High School and took classes at Rutgers University.
Growing up Edwin worked on the family farm and at the Railroad Yard in Deerfield. Later, Edwin worked as a lineman and foreman for Western Mass Electric Company, which later became Northeast Utilities, retiring in August 1986.
Edwin married Frances Sestili on August 17th, 1946. They were married for 77 years before Fran passed away in August of 2023. Ed and Fran built a house in Turners Falls and later built a retirement home on their farm in Montague Center, where they had Morgan horses, Hereford cows, chickens and a large garden. Ed remained active and independent, enjoying time on his tractor and working the farm until the age of 100. For many years they had docking privileges on Lake Spofford where they kept their sailboat and motorboat which gave them and their grandchildren great enjoyment. Ed and Fran loved to cook large meals for their family each week and on holidays. The two enjoyed the beach and traveling. Ed and Fran traveled throughout New England, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, England, Europe, and Italy where they have many relatives. They spent the winter months in Clearwater Beach, Florida. Ed’s greatest enjoyment came from time spent with his great-grandson, Lincoln Edwin, who brought immeasurable happiness to his life. He was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle.
He will be dearly missed by his family: daughter Diane and her husband Mark Duvall of Shutesbury; grandson Michael Fronckus Flynn of Montague Center; granddaughter Lauren and her husband David Devine of Shutesbury; great-grandson Lincoln Edwin Devine of Shutesbury; former son-in-law Michael Flynn of Montague, and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his two sisters: Albina Pluta and Helen Okula; a brother, Ralph Fronckus; and several step-sisters and step-brothers.
The family extends sincere thanks to the devoted caregivers, Lynette Cummings and Tabitha Goncalves, who provided outstanding care with patience, respect, and genuine compassion. Special appreciation is also given to Dr. Paul Sahd of Hadley Family Practice, whose exceptional medical care, dedication, and steadfast support were instrumental in Ed’s long and full life – he is part of the reason Ed lived to be 101 years old. His professionalism and kindness were a great comfort to both Ed and his family, and we are forever grateful for everyone that supported us during this time.
A visitation period will be held on Thursday, February 12th from 4:00PM to 6:00PM at Kostanski Funeral Home, 1 Kostanski Square, Turners Falls, MA. A prayer service will follow at 6:00PM.
A liturgy of Christian Burial will be held in the Spring at a date to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of the Fisher Home through their website www.fisherhome.org, or via mail in care of 1165 North Pleasant St, Amherst, MA. 01002.
For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com
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