Stanley C. Jekanoski

Stanley C Jekanoski

Pepperell, MA - Stanley C. Jekanoski, Jr., 85, of Pepperell, formerly of Westford, passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2024. He was the husband of the late Joyce (Traquair) Jekanoski, who died in 2020.

Stanley was born in Camden, NJ, on May 13, 1938, the son of the late Stanley C. Jekanoski, Sr. and Anne (Filipek) Jekanoski.

A native of No. Hadley, MA, Stan was a proud family member of Jekanowski Farm, stripping tobacco in his youth.

In 1956, Stan graduated from Hopkins Academy. He earned a bachelor's degree from Springfield College, during which he made lifelong friends (and hated swimming classes). After Springfield, he enlisted in the United States Army. In 1963 Stan met the love of his life, Joy. In the early years, they enjoyed polka dancing and going to The Aqua Vitae Restaurant. They married in Greenfield.

Stan and Joy moved to Westford, MA, quickly had Jill, and he began a long and distinguished career as an Educator. Although initially a Guidance Counselor, Stan worked most of his 35 years as a Vice Principal at the Marshall Middle School, finishing his career as Principal. His continued dedication to the faculty, students, and families earned him much respect.

Stan was a wonderful father; he coached many of Bob's sports teams. He taught Jill and Bob all the old-fashioned essential things- how to mow a lawn (the right way), how to shoot a 3-pointer, how to make Jill put the poor worm on the hook, how important it is to be honest, to be kind, to work hard. He loved his perfect vegetable garden in Westford. He loved his family more. His four granddaughters, Cassandra, Allison, Annie, and Molly meant the world to him. We will all remember the laughing, the teasing, cribbage, puzzles, and ice cream. To be teased was to be loved; Nube and Larry surely got their due, too.

Stan and Joy enjoyed retirement in New Smyrna Beach, FLA, spending time with brother David and his wife Rita. Attending Red Sox Spring training games was always a highlight! Stan loved going with Bob to get autographs. Stan's collections of baseball cards and antique farm equipment are testimonials of his love of Red Sox baseball and pride in his Polish heritage.

Stan is survived by his children, daughter Jill and husband Larry Furman of Keller, Texas, son Robert Jekanoski of Pepperell, and granddaughters Cassandra, Allison, Annie, and Molly, daughter-in-law Nube. He is also survived by his close brother David Jekanoski and his wife Rita of Longwood, Florida.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Stanley for a period of visitation on Friday, March 15, 2024, from 4:00-7:00 pm at the Badger Funeral Home, 45 School Street, Groton. His funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Grace Parish, 28 Tarbell Street, Pepperell. Interment will follow in Holy Rosary Cemetery, Huntington Road, Hadley.

Donations in his name may be made to Our Lady of Grace Parish, Pepperell, MA 01463. To share a memory or offer a condolence please visit www.badgerfuneral.com.