Henry K. Slopek, 94, of Franklin, MA, and formerly of Ashland, MA, passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 25, 2026. Born on September 5, 1932, in Middletown, CT, he was the son of Henry M. Slopek and Mary Marguerite (Hudec) Slopek.

Henry was the devoted husband of the late Pauline (Tibbals) Slopek, with whom he shared 62 wonderful years of marriage. He was also predeceased by his daughter, Laurie Slopek. He leaves behind four children: Debra Archambault, Jeffrey Slopek, Margaret “Peggy” Santolucito, and Christopher Slopek and his wife, Margret-Mary (Burke) Slopek. He was the proud grandfather of ten grandchildren—Jacqui Delude, Danette Lebrecque, Alyssa Aquilino, Steffan Slopek, Jennifer Slopek, Jeffrey Slopek, Jessica Slopek, Michael Santolucito, Brian Santolucito, and Nicole Santolucito—and the beloved great‑grandfather of thirteen great-grandchildren.

Henry honorably served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War as part of the 37th Intelligence Squadron from 1952 to 1956. Following his service, he began his career at Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford, CT, where he met Pauline. They married on January 30, 1959, and welcomed three of their five children before Henry accepted a position with Raytheon Corporation in Massachusetts in 1963. The family settled in Ashland, MA, where their two youngest children were born.

Henry built a long and accomplished career at Raytheon, contributing to major programs including the B‑58 Hustler and the Patriot Missile. During his tenure, he also earned degrees in Electronics Engineering and Industrial Sciences—achievements he took great pride in.

In his later years, Henry was an enthusiastic Boston sports fan and deeply devoted to his family. He loved traveling with Pauline and cherished every moment spent with his children, grandchildren, and great‑grandchildren. Family gatherings were the heart of his life, and his warm charm and humor will be profoundly missed.

Visiting hours will be held November 5th. from 5:00-7:00pm at Matarese Funeral Home 325 Mains St. Ashland, MA. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday November 6th at 11:00am at St. Cecilia’s Church, 54 Esty St. Ashland, MA, followed by urn burial in Wildwood Cemetery, 76 Chestnut St, Ashland, MA