ROCHDALE/WORCESTER___Stanley J. Kowalczyk, 72, of Rochdale and formerly of Worcester, passed away on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Halina (Popielarczyk) Kowalczyk; four children, Eva Podgorny and her husband Jacek, Tommy Kowalczyk and his wife Justyna, Frank Kowalczyk and his wife Basia, and Kristy Surowaniec and her husband Peter; seven grandchildren, Sebastian, Krystian, Adam, Max, Luke, Simon & Sophia, as well as three step-grandchildren, Olga, Symantha and Angela. He was a proud father and even prouder Dziadziu. The grandchildren and Dziadziu would always tell each other “love you more”. He also leaves his loving mother-in-law, Eugenia; brothers-in-law, Jerzy and Edward and sister-in-law, Krystyna, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was the eldest of ten children and is survived by four siblings.
Stanley was born in Kramarzewo, Poland to the late Mieczyslaw and Janina (Wasilewska) Goclowski. He immigrated to the United States in 1960. He was a retired machinist, who worked at Worcester area companies. Stanley was a member of Our Lady of Czestochowa Church and was very active in the Polish-American community. Being self-taught, playing the accordion was his passion and “Stasiek” was always the life of the party amongst all by playing and singing many favorite songs. Stanley was the founder and leader of the Stas K. Polka Band.
In addition to his musical entertaining at gatherings, he was loved by all for his sense of humor. He was a member of the PNA Club, The PNI Club, The White Eagle Polish Club and The St. Mary’s Booster Club. He helped organize the Polish Solidarity Movement Parade in Worcester, and the Piast Group - a Polish heritage folklore dance organization in the area.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, September 27, 2021 from 6:00PM to 8:00PM in HENRY-DIRSA FUNERAL HOME, 33 Ward Street, Worcester. The Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at 11:00AM in Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, 34 Ward Street, Worcester. Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Building Renovation Fund at Our Lady of Czestochowa Church.
The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed on the Church website: Click Here.