MONTAGUE — Stanley P. Kacpura, 78, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011, surrounded by his family at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield.
Stanley was born on Jan. 15, 1933 in Zareby Koscielne, Poland, to the late Chester and Helen (Jankowska) Kacpura. His family immigrated to the United States in 1947 and settled in Greenfield. Stanley graduated from Greenfield High School in 1952.
He served in the National Guard from 1952 to 1968.
He retired from the University of Massachusetts in 1985 after 26 years of service.
Stanley was an active member and usher at Our Lady of Peace Church, Turners Falls, and at the former Sacred Heart Church in Greenfield. He was very proud of his Polish heritage.
He was a member of St. Kazimierz Society in Turners Falls. For over 15 years, he was the sponsor of Polka Time with Stash, Polka Time with Joe and Polka Time with Ed on public access television. He was very active within the Polish community, both locally and regionally.
Stanley loved to play his accordion and welcomed any opportunity to play a few polkas. He also enjoyed gardening, debating politics, joking around, and sports, especially the Red Sox and Patriots.
Stanley leaves his wife of 55 years, the former Irene Marcinowski; a daughter, Diane Bogdan of Westfield, and his grandson Daniel. He also leaves his sister, Anne, and brother, Stephen, of Northfield, his nieces, Andrea and Mary Ann, as well as many special friends, including Diane’s companion, Ted LeBlanc of Simsbury, Conn.
The family wishes to extend their thanks and appreciation to the staff of Charlene Manor and the ICU staff at Baystate Medical Center.
Funeral services will be Thursday (12-22-11) at 10:15 a.m. from the Kostanski Funeral Home, 1 Kostanski Square, Turners Falls, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11 at Our Lady of Peace Church with the Rev. Stanley J. Aksamit, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Mater Dolorosa Cemetery in Greenfield.
Calling hours will be today from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Peace Church Renovation Fund, 90 Seventh St., Turners Falls, MA 01376.
Sympathy message available at: www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.