Lucia Antoinette Luongo Gryszowka, a beloved matriarch, was called home to God on April 30, 2025, at the age of 93. Born on October 4, 1931, to Michael and Rosa Russo Luongo, with her mother hailing from Controne, Salerno, Italy, and her father from Montevideo, Uruguay, Lucia's journey through life was marked by deep love, unwavering faith, and a profound devotion to her family.

A longtime resident of Springfield, Massachusetts, Lucia was the cherished sister of Pietro Peter Luongo and Angelina Luongo, both of whom predeceased her, along with their spouses Theodore Labaj and Alice Luongo. She was married to Stephen Gryszowka, who passed away at the young age of 46, leaving behind a legacy of love and resilience. Together, they raised four sons: Stephen, Michael, Joseph, and John.

In 2023, Lucia faced the unimaginable loss of her two oldest sons, Stephen and Michael, just months apart. She is survived by her two younger sons, John "John-boy" Gryszowka and his wife Jacqueline McCarthy of Springfield, and Joseph Gryszowka of Panama City Beach, Florida. She also leaves behind her beloved niece Cheryl Luongo of Boston, and nephews Gary Luongo of Boston and Brian Luongo of Agawam, as well as many great nieces and nephews who cherished her dearly.

Lucia was a proud grandmother to twelve grandchildren, one of whom, Paul Gryszowka, has also passed on. Among them, she had a special bond with her grandson James, whom she adopted, and who played a significant role in her care during her later years. Her other grandchildren—Angela, Jonathan, Jason, Michael, Nathan, Nicole, Stephen, Joey, Sharon, and Annie—were her joy and pride. She loved each of them deeply, praying for their well-being and cherishing the bonds they shared. Additionally, Lucia was blessed with many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, who carry on her name and the traditions she instilled.

A devout Catholic, Lucia found solace in her faith, regularly attending Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church and Holy Name Church in Springfield. She was proud of her Italian heritage and loved participating in Italian cultural events, as well as honoring her husband's Polish traditions through picnics and polka dancing.

Lucia was known for her culinary skills, especially her pasta fagioli, lasagna, meatballs, braciole, and her famous sauce, which her grandchildren would often try to replicate. A familiar face in her neighborhood, she enjoyed walking and was adored by many. Her love for animals was evident in her cherished dogs and the numerous birds she cared for throughout her life.

Lucia's unwavering loyalty, kindness, and strength left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered. Though we feel the profound loss of her presence, her spirit and the memories of her love will forever remain in our hearts. Lucia also had a large extended family in Controne, Salerno, Italy, particularly the Russo family, who will miss her dearly.

In celebrating her extraordinary life, we honor a woman who embodied love, faith, and the importance of family. Rest in peace, Lucia; you will be forever missed but never forgotten.

Calling hours are Wednesday, May 7, 2025 from 8-10am at the AGAWAM CURRAN JONES FUNERAL HOME, 745 Cooper Street followed by a Funeral Home Service at 10. The burial will follow in St. Michael's Cemetery.