WORCESTER___David R. Vaskas, 78, of 174 Vernon St., died Tuesday, August 16, in UMASS Memorial Medical Center, University Campus, 55 Lake Avenue North.
He leaves three daughters, Beverly A. McCormick of Franklin, ME, Nancy T. Vaskas of Holden and Diane M. Vaskas of Attleboro, MA., three grandchildren and 7 great-grand children and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother Edmund J. Vaskas. He was born in Worcester, son of Kasimer and Anna (Lola) Vaskas and lived here all his life.
Mr. Vaskas was a newspaper librarian for the Worcester Telegram and Gazette for over 35 years before retiring in 1989. He attended Millbury Street Grammar School, Providence Street Junior High School and Classical High School. He also attended Worcester Academy where he competed on the baseball and football teams. He was also an avid ping-pong player. Mr. Vaskas attended Becker College where he earned an Associate Degree in Science for Commercial Journalism. He served as the Associate Editor of the Becker Journal for 2 years and also as the Associate Editor of the college yearbook.
He served in the United States Army during World War II as a Radio Operator High Speed Manual, Second Radar Security Section. He also aided in the publishing and writing of company and camp papers. He was a former member of Our Lady of Vilna Church, a member of the Catholic War Veterans, the Savoia Club, a 3rd Degree member of Council 116 of the Knights of Lithuania where he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Equestrian and was a past president. He also wrote and directed minstrel and stage shows by the Knights of Lithuania staged at Mechanics Hall. David was also a member of the Lithuanian Social Club and the Lithuanian War Veterans Organization. Mr. Vaskas was an accomplished musician playing both the saxophone and the clarinet in his own bands, The Polka Dots and the Dave Vaskas Orchestra. After retiring, Mr. Vaskas actively pursued his passion of collecting and selling antiques at local flea markets.
The funeral will be held Friday, August 19, from HENRY-DIRSA FUNERAL HOME, 33 Ward St., with a Mass at 10:30 a.m. in St. Joan of Arc Church 570 Lincoln St. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Thursday August 18 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the funeral home.