Walter J. Garbacik, 87, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, August 3, 2025. Born in Holyoke, son of the late Walter and Mary (Conway) Garbacik, he grew up in Holyoke and was a 1955 graduate of the former Rosary High School.  He then went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Education degree from Westfield State College.  Walter's teaching career included positions at Forest Park Junior High School, the American School of Brasilia in Brasília, Brazil, and finally Duggan Junior High School from where he retired.  He was an avid golfer, loved playing cards, and enjoyed fishing.  He was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Springfield and an Army Veteran.  He leaves his wife of fifty-seven years, Patricia A. (Harvey) Garbacik, a daughter and her husband, Heather A. Garbacik and Vincent Amato of West Springfield, a son and his wife, Walter J. Garbacik and Maisa Badawy of Westwood, MA, siblings Mary Julia Counter of Westfield, Michael Garbacik of West Springfield, Ellen Hayes of South Hadley, Elizabeth Minnette of Ledyard, CT, Edward Garbacik of Granby, MA, two grandchildren, Isabel Garbacik, Alexandria Garbacik and many nieces and nephews. Calling hours are Friday, August 8, 2025 from 4-7pm at Curran Jones Funeral Home, 109 Main Street, West Springfield.  Relatives and friends are invited to a Funeral Mass on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 10am at Sacred Heart Church, 395 Chestnut St., Springfield.  The burial is private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Baystate Hospice, 30 Capital Drive., West Springfield, MA 01089 or Shriner's Hospital, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104. A heartfelt thanks to the incredibly kind and helpful hospice nurses and caregivers at Baystate Hospice who tended to Walter during his final days. For online condolences, please visit www.curranjones.com