Richard A. Skamarycz

Richard “Dick” Skamarycz, 85, of Gardner, died peacefully Sunday, March 10, 2024, in Wachusett Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Gardner, after a period of declining health. 

Born in Gardner, on January 17, 1939, he was the son of the late Peter and Viola (Oblon) Skamarycz. He graduated from Gardner High School with the Class of 1957. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp serving from 1957 to 1960, where he received the Good Conduct Medal. Dick went on to work for S. Bent & Brothers for 25 years as a woodworker. 

Dick was a longtime member and bartender of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #747 of Gardner and a member of the Deep-Sea Club of Gardner. He enjoyed playing horseshoes, cribbage, cards, and candlepin bowling. Dick was an avid fisherman and fan of his New England Patriots, but his greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family and friends, treasuring all the special moments. 

Dick is survived by his wife of 33 years Yvonne (Bettez) Skamarycz of Gardner; one son, Larry Skamarycz and his wife Mercedes of Westminster; one daughter, Tina Scanlan and her significant other Fred Hurd of Gardner; one stepson, Joseph Gibbs and his husband Burl of Maine; two stepdaughters, Wendy McCullough of Gardner, and Lisa Brooks and her husband Roger of Hubbardston; one sister, Judy Dill and her husband Stanley of Gardner; nine grandchildren, Amanda Cronin, Shane, Anne, and Justin Skamarycz, Jasmine and Lance McCullough, Chad and Justin Adams, and Ashley Pavlosky; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

He was predeceased by two brothers, Robert and Bernie Skamarycz; two sisters, Frances Arsenault, and Joan Wheeler; one grandchild Larry Skamarycz. 

Funeral Services will be held Monday, March 18, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. in the Boucher Funeral Home Inc. 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA. 

Calling Hours will be held Monday, March 18, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home. 

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Fraternal Order of the Eagles 747, 71 City Hall Ave. Gardner, MA, 01440. Please reference in memory of Richard  A. Skamarycz.