Bernard "Butch" "Bernie" J. Drewnowski Jr.

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts to share that Bernie “Butch” Drewnowski, Jr., 77, passed away, surrounded by his loving family, on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 in Mercy Medical Center. Bernie will be remembered for the love he gave his family, his dedicated work ethic, and being an avid sports fan. His love for the Yankees and the Giants is an understatement; however, nothing compared to being at his grandsons sporting events, watching them in action. Family was everything to him. Bernie dedicated over thirty years to Freihoffer’s where he worked for the company in route sales and later owned his own territory. At the same time, he also worked for the Springfield Republican delivering newspapers on Sundays. He was proud to serve his country in the United States Army and is a Vietnam veteran.

Born in Springfield, on September 13, 1944, he was a son to the late Arlene (Trombley) and Bernard Drewnowski, Sr. He was a graduate of Agawam High School and obtained his Bachelor’s Degree from Westfield State College. He met the love of his life, Joan (Bellew) Drewnowski and they shared thirty years together. Besides his caring wife Joan, he leaves to cherish his memory his daughters, Tracy Cashman and her husband Tim of West Springfield and Stephanie Reid and her husband BJ of East Longmeadow; his three adored grandchildren, Jake and Owen Reid who lovingly called him Grampie, and Troy Cashman who lovingly called him Bebe; his brothers Ed Drewnowski (Diane), Raymond Drewnowski (Fran), and Mitchell Drewnowski (Lisa); his sisters Joan Fontaine, and Lillian Monte (Bill); his brother-in-law John Riley (Amy); many nieces and nephews, and friends. Besides his parents, Bernie was predeceased by his brother-in-law Gene Fontaine, and sisters-in-law Jeanne Bledsoe and Joyce Mycofsky.

As a tribute to Bernie, please wear your New York Yankees attire. Services to honor and remember Bernie will begin with visiting hours on Monday, May 16, 2022 from 4:00-7:00pm at Forastiere Smith Funeral & Cremation on 220 N. Main Street in East Longmeadow. On Tuesday, May 17, 2022 friends and family are invited to gather at 11:30am at the funeral home, the ceremony to honor Bernie will begin promptly at 12noon, followed by a procession to the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam for committal prayers and military honors. Donations may be made in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by visiting www.stjude.org/donate or by mailing to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105. For more information or to share a memory please visit www.forastiere.com.