In Memory of Jasiek Prokopiuk, fund for the family

“No one is actually dead until the ripples they cause in the world die away”. Terry Pratchett

A lot of you knew Jasiek, Janek, Johnny Prokopiuk. A lot of you experienced the warm welcome as he was introducing us to the Polish Community in Dorchester.  He welcomed every newcomer with an open heart and genuine happiness.  Throughout the years, he always stayed in touch and was always extending invites to a party, trip to the Silver Beach or Beachcomber on the Cape Code in the Summer or skiing trip in the Winter.  Everyone was always included and Jasiek was always happy when he was among his friends and family.  He was famous for his generosity and optimism and for cracking jokes at any point in time.  Even when one was sad, Jasiek would jokily ask with a smile on his face “Do you want to talk about it?” indicating that you should just forget it and enjoy the moment because being together and sharing a laugh should be much better than a long face. And in that shared laugh, it did seem like the troubles were not important anymore. It was so easy to just be with Jasiek. 

I can’t forget to mention that Jasiek was also famous for his grilling and hospitality at the parties he and his wife, Krysia would host.  The food he has prepared was always delicious and he would always make sure that everyone tried it.  There wasn’t really a question with him if you wanted to eat or drink.  He would just pour you a glass of his “miodόla” (a Polish version of limoncello) and hand you a plate.  He was never stingy. On the contrary, he would give his heart and soul to help you. It was enough to just give him a call and he would move a mountain to connect you with one that can help. He was genuine in his behavior. His warmth extended to all his friends and family for which he cared so much.

Jasiek made us all feel comfortable when we were together, and it didn’t really matter how much time has passed. We were all friends in his presence.  He was an easy-going person who always had time for his friends and family.  And even when we got sucked into our own lives and forgot to call, he would be the first to reconnect to see how we were doing.  He was always interested in knowing what was happening in our lives.  And even when we suffered, he would call to cheer us up.

It is with a heavy heart that I need to say that our friend is no longer with us.  His death was sudden and unexpected. He has left bellowed family, his wife, Krysia, children, Monika, Nadia and Oluś, as well as his mother, Zenia, his father, Jan and siblings Ela and Pawel brokenhearted and in shock. He has left all of us too to deal with his absence and the hole in our hearts that his departure caused.  And in order to return his generosity and to show that we all care, and we miss him with all our hearts, we founded this page to collect the money to help his grieving family carry the torch for the rest of their lives, to continue creating “Jasiek’s” ripple so he won’t be forgotten.  We want to be able to help his children fulfill their dreams, his wife to move on as Jasiek would want to.  And we want to do it as he always has done it for us, with a smile on our faces and warm hearts.

Thank you for your generosity and support.  Please don’t hesitate to contact Jasiek’s family directly as they are in need of support as well.  Please don’t be afraid to be the first one to reach out.  Please keep Jasiek’s family in your thoughts and prayers.

Jasiek’s friends.

“Our dead are never dead to us, until we have forgotten them”. George Eliot