DUDLEY – Christopher P. Tanca, 92, died Sunday, October 26, 2014 at Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester.
He leaves his wife of 62 years, Anna (Cutitar) Tanca; a son, Michael C. Tanca and his wife Heidi of Tariffville, CT; 5 grandchildren, Christopher Tanca, Leslie Tanca, Lauren Coelho and her husband Juber, Leigh Tanca and Mark Tanca; a great-granddaughter, Ava Marie; a sister, Ernestine Rucho of Matthews, NC; nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by a son, William Leo Tanca in 2001 and by 4 brothers and 2 sisters.
He was born and raised in the North Grosvenordale section of Thompson, CT, a son of Leo P. and Sophie (Cuistica) Tanca. He then lived in Webster before moving to Dudley at the time of his marriage in 1951. He graduated from Tourtellotte Memorial High School where he played on the varsity basketball and soccer teams. He also attended classes at Worcester Junior College.
He was an Army veteran of World War II.
Mr. Tanca worked at the American Optical Company in Southbridge for over 40 years, retiring as a supervisor in 1984. He played on the company’s softball baseball team, and was a member of the American Optical Quarter Century Club.
He belonged to St. Michael’s Romanian Orthodox Church in Southbridge. He was a member of the Webster Lodge of Masons and the Knights of Pythias.
A graveside service will be held Friday, October 31, at 11:00 in West Thompson Cemetery, Route 12, West Thompson, CT., with military honors. Calling hours will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Thursday, October 30, in the Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home,. 340 School St., Webster. The Webster Lodge of Masons will perform their service at 6:00 PM Thursday in the funeral home.