Stanley Koczan

GARDNER- Stanley Koczan, 95, of Gardner, died peacefully Monday, September 10, after a short illness. Stanley was born January 29, 1923, in Gardner, son of the late Alexander and Rozalia (Mozdze) Koczan, and has lived in Gardner all his life. He attended Boys Trade School in Worcester. He began his career at Heywood Wakefield before being drafted in to the Army. He was a proud veteran of WWII. After basic training, he was sent to North Africa with the task of overseeing a POW camp. When he returned to Europe, he was stationed in the Third Army as an MP, part of the battalion assigned to protect General George Patton, serving in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe. He saw most of the war beside General Patton, whose leadership pushed them through some of the biggest battles of the war, including the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded the European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon, Good Conduct Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon, EAME Campaign Ribbon with Battle Stars, and the Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged December 2, 1945. Mr. Koczan was proud to participate in parades for many years. He marched until the past five years when he began riding in the parade. He also was a part time volunteer for the Gardner Fire Department in the late 1950's and early 1960's. After his honorable discharge from the Army, Mr. Koczan continued his career at Heywood Wakefield, working there for over 30 years. He was a creative and meticulous woodworker. He was also a Jr. Achievement instructor for many years. He enjoyed Polish activities and Polish food, dancing, playing cards, being outdoors, especially skiing, hiking, golfing, and going to Cape Cod. He loved spending time with his family. He was very close to his siblings and never missed a family celebration. He had a calm demeanor and was always complimentary to others. Stanley, in his retirement, designed and fabricated the offertory table for St. Joseph's Church, in memory of his parents, Alexander and Rozalia Koczan, and Nellie's parents, Julius and Alice Skamarycz. He also helped to work on the lettering for the front facing altar at St. Joseph's Church. He was a longtime parishioner of St. Joseph Church, and was a parishioner of Holy Spirit Church. Mr. Koczan was a member of the Polish American Veterans, VFW, and Polish American Citizens Club. He leaves his wife of 70 years, Nellie (Skamarycz) Koczan; two daughters, Joyce and Shirley Koczan; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings, Jennie Dymek, Francis Koczan, Mary Sawicki, Charles Koczan, and Loretta Koczan, as well as several other cousins, nieces and nephews. Calling hours are Saturday, September 15, from 10:00 A.M. to 11:45 P.M. at Mack Family Funeral Homes, Lamoureux-Smith & Poliks Chapel, Kevin Mack- Director, 105 Central St., Gardner. The funeral Mass will follow at 12:30 P.M. at Holy Cross Church, 25 Lake Ave., East Templeton. Burial with military honors, will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery in Gardner. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Stanley T. Koczan to the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center, Inc., 268 Central St., Suite A, Gardner, MA 01440.