In the evening hours on Friday, October 12th, Stanley J. Gniadek, Jr., or “Butch” as he was lovingly known by family and friends passed peacefully at home with his family at his bedside. He was 71.

Butch is survived by, and will be forever loved and missed by his wife and high school sweetheart, Margaret (Lee), with whom he shared 49 years of marriage. He was pre-deceased by his father Stanley J. Gniadek Sr. He also leaves behind his cherished mother, Dorothy (Sweet) Gniadek of Worcester. He leaves the loves of his life, his children, Jamie Gniadek and his wife, Crystal (Keefer) Gniadek of Worcester, Megan L. Bourget and her husband, Keith of Worcester and Kevin S. Gniadek of Dennis. Butch leaves behind two sisters, Sharon Schwinnen and her husband Ronald, and Donna Swanstrom and her husband Kurt, all of Ohio. Papa was also the proud grandfather of Colin Bourget, Emma Gniadek, Benjamin Gniadek, Kevin Bourget and Michael Gniadek. He leaves several nieces and nephews as well as wonderful in laws and great forever friends.

Butch was born and raised in Worcester, where he lived most of his life. He graduated from Saint Peter’s CC High School, Class of 1966, where he was regarded as an outstanding athlete. He was very proud to have won the Corsac Award at the annual St. Peter’s/ St John’s annual Thanksgiving Day game. For his prowess on both the football and baseball fields, he was honored as an inductee into St. Peter’s Hall of Fame where he was able to share one last moment with his father Stanley.

Upon graduation, Butch enlisted into the Airforce, volunteering his service to the war in Vietnam. He was a proud veteran, serving 5 years, stateside, Germany and in Vietnam at Cam Rahn Bay Air Base as a Military Police officer. He was a longtime member and coach of the Main South Post 341 and current member of the Tatnuck Square Post.

Butch earned his Bachelor’s degree from UMass-Amherst, class of 1974. Following college, Butch became a fifth-grade elementary school teacher at the Ruggles Lane School in Barre. After 10 years of teaching he changed his career path and was employed by the United States Postal Service for the next 30 yrs. He retired as a supervisor, having worked the majority of his years in the Tatnuck Square office.

Butch, even after his playing days were over, was no stranger to the athletic fields. He volunteered his time and knowledge to coaching. His coaching resume started at his alma mater assisting the football team. He spent many years coaching his children at Ty Cobb little league and Babe Ruth. He was a volunteer at the OLA CYC programs coaching basketball. He later joined the staff of Holy Name, as the freshman football and baseball coach where he was admired by his players for his approach and style.

Friends and family are invited to gather with Butch’s family on Wednesday, October 17th for his Life Celebration. Visitation hours are from 4-7 p.m. at the Callahan, Fay & Caswell Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle Street, Worcester. His funeral will be held on Thursday, October 18th leaving from the funeral home, with a funeral Mass celebrated at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1222 Main Street, Worcester. Burial in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton will be private. Instead of flowers, please consider honoring Butch’s memory with a contribution to Veteran Inc, 69 Grove St., Worcester, MA 01605.