Stanley J. Kania

MANCHESTER - Stanley J. Kania, 84, of Manchester, died Jan. 17, 2012, at Catholic Medical Center.

He was born on Aug. 12, 1927, in Manchester, the son of Adam and Josephine (Malik) Kania. He attended local schools, graduated from Manchester Central High School and was a lifelong resident of this city.

Stan was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He was a manager for Preview Products, retiring after 43 years.

He was a communicant of St. Hedwig Church, where he was an active member of its choir and the St. Joseph Society. He held membership with the Catholic War Veterans and was an active member at the Wm. B. Cashin Senior Center, where he loved playing cards.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman in his younger years and coached many sports teams. He enjoyed traveling and his cottage on Alton Bay.

His wife of 55 years, Gloria (Melanson) Kania, died in 2002. He was also predeceased by two sons, Daniel Kania in 1959 and Peter Kania in 2004.

Members of his family include a son and his wife, Michael and Martha Kania of Manchester; a daughter-in-law, Rhonda Corey of Manchester; two granddaughters, Karla and Amanda Kania; a brother, John Kania of Pensacola, Fla.; three sisters, Hedwig Boucher, Mary Tate and Sophie Keefe, all of Manchester; several nieces and nephews.

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SERVICES: Calling hours are Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Durning, Bykowski & Young Funeral Home, 285 Manchester St., corner of Beech Street. The funeral liturgy of Christian burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Hedwig Church, corner of Beech and Orange streets. Burial will follow in St. Hedwig Cemetery in Bedford.

Memorial donations may be made to either St. Hedwig Church, 147 Walnut St., Manchester 03104, or to William B. Cashin Senior Center, 151 Douglas St., Manchester 03102. Go to durningbykowskiandyoung.com to sign an online register.