Stanley M. Slonka

LUDLOW -- Stanley M. Slonka, 80, passed away peacefully November 15, 2015, at Baystate Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. Born in Dobrowa Tarnowska, Poland, he was the son of the late Wawrzyniec Slonka and Stefania (Piatek) Slonka. He emigrated to the U.S. with his wife, Janina, in the late 1960s and settled in Indian Orchard for 15 years, then Ludlow for over 35 years. He was a role model for his six children, raising them with a strong work ethic and a focus on education. He was stubborn, hardworking, loyal, loving, generous, and a consummate storyteller who lived life on his terms, especially during his 3-year battle with cancer; he never gave up. He had a kind smile and big heart, but watch out for his sharp negotiating skills! (I mean, who negotiates with their dentist?) After a 20-year career at Smith & Wesson, he spent his time doing what he loved on the Ludlow farm: gardening and farming, baling hay with his favorite tractor; caring for a menagerie of furry and feathered friends; renovating and fixing, and constantly keeping busy. Family was #1: a dedicated husband, and as Dziadziu (grandpa), he loved to dote on and spoil all of his grandchildren. We will all miss him and keep him forever in our hearts. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers Franek and Fr. Jan Slonka. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 52 years Janina E. (Dynak) Slonka; his loving children John Slonka of Worcester, Mark Slonka and wife Gwen of Westfield, Mary Rarogiewicz and husband Chris of Springfield, Stanley Slonka and wife Shirlann of Carol Stream, IL, Tom Slonka and wife Mindy of Belchertown, and Pete Slonka and wife Stephanie of St. Louis, MO; brother Edek Slonka and sister Maria Slonka of Poland; his loving grandchildren Josie, Stephanie, Dylan, Isabella, Alex, Abbey, Adam and Jessie; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Friday, November 20, 2015, with family and friends gathering at 10:00 a.m. at Nowak Funeral & Cremation Services, 15 Ludlow Ave., Springfield and proceeding to Immaculate Conception Church, 25 Parker St., Indian Orchard for a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Aloysius Cemetery. Calling hours are Thursday, November 19, 2015, from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Immaculate Conception Church, 25 Parker St., Indian Orchard, Mass.