Stanley Grucan

Stanley Grucan, 94, of Gardner, died June 22, 2022, at Alliance Health in Baldwinville. He was born in Baldwinville in 1927, the son of the late John and the late Rose (Dlugakenska) Grucan. He graduated from Templeton High School in 1946. Following service in the U.S. Army, Stan worked at Thayer and then the U.S. Postal Service for 28 years. Stan excelled in high school baseball and basketball. In basketball he long held the record for most points in a single game, 34, against Troy, NH. But his true passion was baseball. An outstanding all-around player both in the field and on the mound, he joined Florence Stove, a semi-professional team, when he was still in high school. He played for competitive teams such as the Gardner Merchants, and Bibeau’s Hardware with his brother Ray, winning the city championship in 1953. Stan continued to play for Gardner area baseball and softball teams into his senior years, including Sunday morning softball and in the annual Old Timers baseball game, pitching three innings at the age of 82. Stan’s love of baseball included helping others learn and enjoy the game as a Gardner Little League coach, managing the PACC team for 10 years. His knowledge and humble nature brought out the best in his teams in both skill and sportsmanship. He enjoyed watching sports as much as playing them, doing jumbles and crossword puzzles, playing the harmonica, and telling “groan-worthy” jokes. He was a long-time parishioner of Sacred Heart Church. Stan was predeceased by his dear wife of 66 years, Anelia “Nellie” (Kukienis) Grucan, and son-in-law James Butterfield. He leaves five children: a son, Michael and his wife Amy, and four daughters, Sally Grucan and her husband Joseph Rouse; Mary Buffone and her husband Mike; Nancy Butterfield; and Kathleen Suchocki and her husband David. He leaves seven grandchildren: Brian Rouse, Martin Rouse, Julie Snyder and her husband Chad, Eric Butterfield, Ian Butterfield, Michael Suchocki, and Jessica Suchocki. He leaves a great grandson, Asher Snyder, and a great granddaughter, Nora Snyder. Stan also leaves several nieces and nephews and his sister, Florence Stone. Stanley was predeceased by five brothers, Chester Poploski, John Grucan, Peter Grucan, Paul Grucan, and Raymond Grucan, and four sisters, Jeannette Arsenault, Helen Trinque, Anna Bibeau, and Frances Grucan. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Stan’s remarkable caregivers, Florence, Cathy and Maureen whose love and patience lit up his life and allowed him to stay at home. The family is grateful to the nurses and staff of Alliance Health of Baldwinville for their exceptional care and kindness. Services and burial in St. John’s Cemetery will be private. To leave an online condolences please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central Street, Gardner is assisting with arrangements. Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Douglas M. Stone, funeral directors.