Thomas R. Stanko

ORANGE- Thomas Richard Stanko, 77, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on October 23, 2024 after a hard fought battle with multiple diseases caused by Agent Orange.

Born on July 4, 1947, his life was a testament to the courage he showed every day. He had a profound love for his family, friends, music, and his country. He proudly served as a Marine in Vietnam where he was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds he received while engaged in armed conflict against the United States. He was also awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

Tom was a drummer for the famous Larry Chesky Polka Band, where he performed on the same stage as Jimmy Sturr, along with many other Polka Kings and Queens.

He grew up in New Britain, Connecticut, but his years in the service would take him all over. His favorite place in the world was the Magic Kingdom, second only to his home in Orange, MA.

He was an avid Patriots and Red Sox fan. His favorite Friday night activity was watching wrestling with his grandsons. He loved cooking and baking, and decorating for the holidays. He loved nothing more than spending his final years vacationing in Maine and Disney with his family. He had an outgoing personality and a kind and generous spirit.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife Cindy, his daughter Alecia and her husband Steve and their two sons, Evan and Jacob.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 from 6-8 p.m. and funeral services will be on Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 10 a.m., both at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.

Interment with military honors will be held in Tully Cemetery, Orange.

In lieu of flowers, his family is asking that donations be made to either the Orange American Legion, P.O. Box 172, Orange, MA 01364-0172, or to the Community Church of North Orange and Tully, 48 Main Street, Orange, MA 01364.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

Guest book online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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