Stanley L. Sklarz

OXFORD – On Saturday, July 8, 2023, the face of our family was forever changed. Stanley L. Sklarz, after a long period of declining health, passed peacefully from our arms into the loving arms of his heavenly father at the age of 87.

Stanley was born in Worcester on May 8, 1936, to Joseph and Anna (Lizewski) Sklarz.

Stanley is survived by his wife of 63 years, Virginia M. (Gagliastre) Sklarz, whom he adored to the day of his passing. He leaves his only daughter and most passionate and loving caregiver through the years, Debra, her husband Scott Dearent of Dudley, and his son Michael Sklarz of Spencer.  Always a devoted husband and father, he dedicated his life to caring for his family. Through the years, he was overjoyed to welcome into the family his beloved grandchildren, Nathan Dearent and his wife Eve, Nicholas Dearent, Nolan Dearent and his fiancée Mariah, Molly Sklarz and Mitchell Sklarz.  Their Poppa always supported all of their educational and athletic pursuits… never missing a ballgame, ceremony, or dance recital.

Stanley is also survived by two sisters, Rosemarie Coulard of Oxford, and Jean Whitaker of Arroyo Grande, CA.  He was predeceased by three brothers, John, Joseph Jr., Walter, and three sisters, Anna Rauer, Irene Brunyak, and Helen Smith.   He leaves his loving sister-in-law, Maryann Hamilton and her husband Jack. Many nieces and nephews including his adored niece Jill Lemansky, her husband Richie and sons Dean and Drew, and nephew John O’Connell, his wife Annie and daughters Emily and Addie. You didn’t have to be related though – he was affectionally called Uncle by many.

As a young man, Stanley enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps proudly serving his country for three years, some of that time overseas in Japan.

Stanley worked in the food industry throughout his life.  He worked for the International Salt Company, Salada Foods, Halpern Brothers, and Buckley and Tovsky, before retiring from Johnson O’Hare as vice president of sales.  His favorite job came after retirement as part of the staff of Paradis-Givner Funeral Home.

A devoted parishioner of St. Roch’s Parish, Stanley served as a member of the Parish Council for many years and was instrumental in advocating for and creating the outdoor prayer garden on church grounds.

Weekly Sunday Dinners were a long-standing tradition for Stanley and his family. There would always be enough room at the table and food for all who were welcomed to join. You didn’t have to be related to be considered part of the family. He will always be lovingly remembered for making way too many mashed potatoes.

The family would like to thank the Charlton Manor Rest Home including Michael Turpin, Debra Fitts, and the extended staff for the care and comfort they so passionately provided over the years. We are so grateful to all the wonderful girls and those residents who became his friends. To the JHC Hospice team, especially Marlene and Hillary, for your care and compassion provided through his challenging last few days.

A funeral will be held on Saturday, July 15, 2023, from Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford, followed by a Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Roch’s Church, 332 Main St., Oxford.  Burial with military honors will follow at St. Roch’s Cemetery in Oxford.  Calling hours are Friday, July 14, 2023, from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, c/o St. Roch’s Church, 334 Main St., Oxford, MA 01540.