Lenox – John Stavaski, 95, formerly of Manchester by the Sea, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2019 at the Berkshire Medical Center following a brief illness. Born in Cheshire on August 21, 1923 to John Stavaski and Ellen (Weaver) Stavaski, John was the oldest of five children. He grew up in Cheshire and attended schools in Cheshire and Adams, graduating from Adams High School in 1941.
Throughout his childhood in Cheshire, John was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hike the Cobbles… Read More » and would often guide his siblings and their friends on hiking adventures. A World War II veteran, John enlisted in the U.S. Army, proudly serving his country in England and Wales, from 1943-1946. During his time stationed in Wales, John exchanged letters with a young woman from Manchester by the Sea.
After returning home from the Army, John journeyed to Manchester to finally meet his pen pal, Regina (Rita) Tomasewski. Rita and John were married in November 1946 and were devoted to each other for 63 years until Rita’s death on December 15, 2009. Throughout their married life, John and Rita delighted in spending time with their extended families at their home on Morse Court in Manchester by the Sea.
They traveled to the Berkshires frequently to visit with family and enjoyed vacations to Pennsylvania. John also loved gardening, listening to country music, and watching sports. He was a lifelong devoted Red Sox, New England Patriots, and Celtics fan.
John’s face would light up at the mention of the success of his teams. John initially worked as a laborer in a shoe factory in Lynn, MA before moving on to a job at the DPW for the Town of Manchester by the Sea. After retiring from his position with the Town, John worked well into his eighties tending the grounds at an estate on Coolidge Point.
During his years in Manchester by the Sea, John made many lasting friendships and was known as an extremely kind, humble, and caring individual who was a pleasure to know. Following the death of his beloved wife, John moved in 2013 to assisted living in Lawrence, MA. In 2018, John relocated to Mount Carmel Care Center in Lenox, MA so he could be closer to his nieces and nephews.
During the last few months of his life, John was able to see his family on a daily basis and enjoyed the holidays at the homes of his nieces, surrounded by those who loved him. In addition to his parents and wife, John was predeceased by his brothers Francis (Bud) and Albert Stavaski; his sisters Mary Comstock and Anna Bedard; nephews Arthur Bedard and Kevin Comstock and a niece, Dorothy Vaitkunas. John is survived by nieces Brenda (David) Meacham, Lynn Bedard, Bonny (John) DiTomasso, Terri Beyer, and Kathy Dove; nephews David Stavaski, Mark (Diane) Stavaski, Michael Stavaski, Paul (Karyn) Stavaski, and Craig Comstock.
John also leaves his sister in law, Jane Stavaski; nephew-in law, Bill Vaitkunas; his dear friends, Kitty Lastavica and Mark Hammond; and many great nieces and great nephews. His funeral service will be held graveside, at Rosedale Cemetery, Manchester by the Sea, alongside his late wife, on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. In accordance with John’s wishes, there will be no visiting hours.
Arrangements by the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly. Information, directions, condolences at www. campbellfuneral.com.
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