Stanley "Stas" Staszkiewicz

A pillar in his community, the rock of his family, and a man of faith, Stanley “Stas” Staszkiewicz leaves behind a significant imprint in the hearts and lives of countless people who were within his reach. He was the master of one-liners with a pocket full of candy to pass out to everyone he met whose joy for living was contagious to all who were within his reach. Stas was proud of his Polish heritage and to call himself an American, yet there was no greater joy in his life than his family. A man of honor, integrity, and compassion toward others, he will be dearly missed.

Nestled within the decade of the Roaring Twenties was the year 1925 that boasted of the first presidential inauguration broadcast over the airwaves, the formation of the Chrysler Corporation, and the invention of Scotch tape. This same year was filled with unspeakable joy for one young couple from Grand Rapids, Michigan, as they welcomed a healthy baby boy into their hearts and home on March 2nd. Stanley Bernard was the middle of five children born to his parents, Stanley and Mary (Polewiak) Staszkiewicz, and he was raised in the family home on the lower West Side of the city alongside his siblings, Helen, Leona, Ted, and Richard. His father worked at a local lumber camp while his mother was a homemaker.

In many ways Stas experienced a typical upbringing. He was raised in a tight Polish community, and his family was deeply rooted in the Catholic faith. They were members of St. Adalbert Church, and Stas attended St. Adalberts school through the eighth grade. After school he worked as a pin setter at a bowling alley, as a golf caddy, and a truck driver until he joined the Army during the days of World War II. Stas served his country in the Army for three years.

New and exciting changes were in store for Stas when he met the young girl of his dreams. Her name was Rita Rosloniec, and they met at Sabota’s Tavern. After dating for one year Stas married his sweetheart on February 7, 1953, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church. The newlyweds enjoyed a honeymoon to Chicago where Stas was in a bowling tournament.

Eager to begin their new lives together, Stas and Rita settled into an apartment on 11th and Davis Street NW where they remained until 1962. It was at that time that they moved into the family home on Pulaski Street NW when Rita’s parents died. They also became members of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish.

Throughout his life there was no greater gift in Stas’s life than his family. He and Rita were blessed with the births of four children, Tim, Mark, Sandy, and Dave, and Stas was an extraordinary father. To support his family he worked as a driver for B & B Beer Distributers for a time. Stas later worked for Reynolds Metals where he remained until he retired after 31 years of dedicated service. He was part of a few traditions in the Staszkiewicz family as he frequently made Rita’s breakfast each day, and it was also his job to make the mashed potatoes on Sundays. As a family they enjoyed summer vacations to Pickeral Lake in Newaygo where priceless memories were made. Stas’s wife’s family, the Rosloniecs, were an important part of his life. Stas was devastated with the accidental death of his son, Mark, on February 5, 1979. During the days, weeks, months, and years that followed it was his strong Catholic faith and the strength from his extended family that sustained him.

There were numerous things that enriched Stas’s life. His Catholic faith was his constant companion, and he regularly prayed the Rosary. Stas was so proud of his Polish heritage, and he treasured all things Polish from the food, to the music, to the traditions. Some of his favorite dishes were kielbasa, golumbki, pierogis, and kapusta, and he and Rita loved to dance the polka and attend polka festivals all over the country. “Blue Skirt Waltz” by Frank Yankovich was their favorite dance tune. He was also a pillar in the local Polish community, and as an active member of Kosciuszko Hall it was Stas who was the official greeter at the door during Pulaski Days. He was also a member of the Polish Falcons and enjoyed visiting all the halls celebrating his heritage. Stas was a loyal listener to Bob “Jasiu” Whitcomb, and later to Jerry and Ernie’s Polka Pops radio each Saturday and Sunday, on the radio on the nation’s premier polka radio station. Stas was active throughout most of his life as he loved to walk, was an avid golfer who was on several leagues, and he also loved to keep up on the chores both inside and outside the house. He was the one to shovel the snow and cut the grass for as long as he was able. Stas regularly bowled as well. He loved playing the lottery and made a great cup of coffee. Later in life he was thrilled to become a grandfather, and visiting with Jessica and Nicole was something he always looked forward to.

Stas faced a few health challenges along the way. He was so proud to quit drinking and smoking 42 years ago. Although he underwent bypass surgery in 1993 he was able to made a complete recovery, allowing him to continue living an active life alongside the love of his life.

A kindhearted, warm, and generous man, Stanley Staszkiewicz was a genuine blessing in the lives of those around him. His faith guided and sustained him throughout his entire journey, and the love he shared with his family put the melody in his life’s song. The memories Stas leaves behind will be forever cherished.

STASZKIEWICZ Mr. Stanley “ Stas ” Staszkiewicz, aged 88 of Grand Rapids, passed away on Friday morning, March 8, 2013 at Spectrum Health – Butterworth Hospital, following a brief illness. He was preceded in death by his son, Mark Staszkiewicz. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Rita Staszkiewicz (Rosloniec), his children, Timothy Staszkiewicz, Sandy Staszkiewicz, Dave and Sandy Staszkiewicz; grandchildren, Jessica Staszkiewicz and Nicole Staszkiewicz; many nieces, nephews and friends. Stas honorably served his country in the US Army during World War II. He was a member of Catholic War Veterans, Sacred Heart Club and Polish Falcons Aid Society. He retired from Reynolds Metals. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. Relatives and friends may meet his family on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, with the rosary prayed at 7:00 PM. Visitation will also be held at the church on Monday from 10 am until the Mass begins. Contributions in his memory may be made to Alzheimer’s Assn. To read more about Stas life, to sign his guest book and to leave your own memory of him, visit his web page at www.lifestorynet.com