Stanley R. Praplaski

East Templeton- Stanley R. Praplaski, 90, of East Templeton, died Friday, April 28, in his home, after an illness. Stan was born in Gardner, June 19, 1926, son of the late John and Stacy (Kotoski). He had the good fortune to grow up in Phillipston at Queen Lake Camp. He graduated from a one room grammar school where he, along with his brothers, Ed and Mickey, each assumed the duties of school janitor at the appropriate year. He graduated from Athol High School in 1943, where he played basketball, football, and ran track. He was drafted into the Army right after graduation, spending 32 months during WWII, as a corporal in the military police. He earned expertise with M1 Rifle, Victory Medal-American Ribbon, European Theater Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Award, and Good Conduct Medal. During his work career, he held a number of positions, most of which highlighted his "gift of gab". He was a clothing store manager, a sales representative for John P. Squire, an insurance salesman for Metropolitan Life, and a carrier for the US Post Office, retiring in 1988. In 1948, he married Bernice Kruckas, who predeceased him in 2010. Together they raised three children, Nancy and husband, Gene, Stan Jr. "Butch" and wife, Kathy, Jim and wife, Diane. He leaves what he felt was his most important legacy, his grandchildren, Jimmy and wife, Lindsay, Jason, Jessica and husband, Joe, Marcy, Matt and wife, Colleen; great grandchildren, Arden, Olivia, Joey, Reece, and Jameson. As an active member of the town of Templeton, he served on a number of committees. He was chairman of the Finance Committee, member of the Conservation Commission, member of regionalization school K-12. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 129, life member of the PACC, and life member of the PAV. Sports were a fundamental part of his life from participating to working to help others have the opportunity. He proudly played semi-pro football. He coached, later becoming president of the Templeton Little League. Together, with Tookie Kubek, he physically built the present Little League field in Baldwinville. He was a member of Gansett Boosters Club. He was the head of the committee and was instrumental in bringing the Narragansett High School football field. He also coached Pop Warner Football for several years. Football season was his favorite time of year. He coached the Patriots from his den since their beginning. More importantly, he was an enthusiastic fan of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren's sporting events. He has been missed on the Quabbin deer hunt, not sitting on his lawn chair, chatting on his walkie talkie, and especially this year on the Champlain fishing trip. The funeral will be held Thursday, May 4, at 10:00 AM, in Holy Cross Church, 25 Lake Ave., E. Templeton. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Calling hours are Wednesday, May 3, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM in Poliks Funeral Home, 431 Pleasant St., Gardner.