Stanley James Gladysz

Stanley James Gladysz (71), of Manchester, loving husband of Doretta (O'Hara) Gladysz for 34 years, died unexpectedly Sunday, January 9, 2022, at Hartford Hospital. Stanley was born May 29, 1950 in Hartford, Son of the late James Gladysz and Pauline (Sikora) Gladysz, he lived in Manchester CT all his life, and graduated from Howell Cheney Tech in the late sixties.  He worked at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford as a Tool and Die Maker for many years.  Stanley also held a Supervisor position at Empire Tool in Manchester CT, for several more years.  Most recently, Stanley worked as a Collection Carrier for the US Postal Service in Cromwell and Enfield until his retirement.

Stanley met his wife Doretta, in 1979.  They met at St. Bridget Church, where she was the contemporary music group's leader at two masses, she invited him to join the group as a singer and tech person.  Soon they became best friends.  In addition to having a great voice, his quick wit and beautiful sense of humor made him a joy to be with.  He also had a kind heart, and was always pitching in to help others.  Stanley and Doretta were married July 10, 1987 in St. James Church, united in matrimony by Father Emilio Padelli.

Stanley joined the Manchester Fire Department as soon as he was old enough to volunteer, working as a firefighter, fire-truck driver, and fire-policeman.  He was still connected as an honorary member during retirement.  The firemen and women were part of the family to him; working with them affected his life in many great ways.  Through them he was able to help serve the community and make a difference in people's lives.   Stan was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, where he served as Grand Knight for two terms.  The Knights are another group with a focus on helping the community, which was what Stan always tried to do.
 
Stanley is predeceased by his sister Barbara (Gladysz) Wrobelski and her husband Raymond, formerly of Bolton.  Stan's oldest sister, Virginia (Gladysz) Martel of California, passed away January 10, 2022, one day after Stanley. He is also predeceased by his father-in-law John O'Hara Sr. and mother in-law Doris (Guay) O'Hara formerly of Manchester, as well as Godmother and aunt Mary (Sikora) Andronick and husband Edward, and Uncle Frank Sikora formerly of Poland.

Stanley is survived by brother-in-law George O'Hara and wife Debbie from Newington, brother-in-law John O'Hara Jr. of New Jersey, niece Pamela Spina and husband Tony of Bolton, niece Bridget O'Hara and fiance Jesse Jourden of New Jersey, niece Jinna O'Hara of New Jersey, nephew Aiden O'Hara of New Jersey, nephew Raymond Wrobelski Jr. of Manchester, grand-niece, Sophia Luongo and husband Aj of Bolton, grand-niece Amira Freeman of New Jersey, grand-niece Brianna Jourden of New Jersey, grand-nephew, Jacob Jourden of New Jersey, and second-cousin Henry (Bobby) Rothe Jr. of Rockville.

There will be calling hours held at Holmes Watkins Funeral Home Monday January 17, 2022 from 9:00 Am-10:30 Am, with a Mass of Christian Burial, 11AM at St. Rose Church, 33 Church St. East Hartford, with burial to follow at St. Edwards Cemetery 27 Church St. Stafford Springs.  

Memorial donations made be made to: North American Martyrs Parish, 15 Maplewood Avenue, East Hartford, Ct 06108

info@namct.org

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