Joseph A. Stankaitis

GARDNER - Joseph A. Stankaitis, 74, of Gardner died Monday, November 8, 2021​ at home,​ after many years of end-stage kidney disease and waiting for a kidney transplant. He was born on August 31, 1947 the son of Michael Stankaitis and Mary (Pitkiewicz) Stankaitis. He leaves his wife, Janet E. (Hannula) Stankaitis of Gardner; two daughters, Sherrie & husband Ian Kimball of Lunenburg MA, Dawn Strott of Statesville, NC; grandchildren, Joseph & Ethan Kimball, Alisha Hoban; great grandchildren: Christopher, Ava, Danika & Dakota; sister, Judith Wheeler of Gloucester, VA; and many nieces, nephews & cousins. He was predeceased by two brothers, Robert & Michael Stankaitis and by one sister, Elizabeth Meyer. Joe grew up in East Templeton and was a graduate of Narragansett Regional High School. He was employed at his brother Michael’s business O & S Garage in E. Templeton until it closed, Manca Bros. at the Gardner Landfill as a heavy equipment operator and then Waste Management in Gardner, Barre and Westminster/Fitchburg landfills, retiring in 2012 because of ill health. Joe was an avid hunter and fisherman, loving his many hunting beagles​ over the​ years.​ ​He was a former member of Gardner Fish & Gun Club, West End Beagle Club and The​ ​Gardner Museum. The family thanks the medical personnel at Davita Dialysis, Dr. Shih and his Doctors at the Transplant Clinic UMASS Memorial, Dr. Hoisington and so many others. The family suggests that memorial donations be made in his memory to Gardner Animal Shelter, 95 Pleasant St., Gardner MA 01440 or to The Gardner Museum, 28 Pearl St., Gardner MA 01440. To send an online condolence please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com. Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central St., Gardner is directing arrangements. Kevin J. Mack & Walter C. Taylor directors.