Stanley John Onoroski

Stanley (known to his friends as Stan or Ski) passed away on April 10, 2019 (just a few months shy of his 90th birthday) after a period of declining health. He was the youngest of 11 children, born on August 20, 1929 in Nashua, New Hampshire, the son of the late Walter and Katherine (Slosek) Onoroski. He grew up Nashua, New Hampshire and joined the U.S Navy at the age of 17.

Most of Stan’s Navy career was spent on sea duty with him being stationed at various ports of duty within the United States and around the world. In the early 1960’s he was deployed to Great Lakes to train recruits and spent three years there as a company commander and battalion adjutant. He enjoyed sea duty as it was a great way to see the world, and he said that the best ships he served on were the USS Earle B. Hall (APD-107) and the USS Alamo (LSD-33) where he made many long-lasting friendships. He served during the end of WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam War, and Cuban Missile Crises. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Master Chief and was the recipient of several awards including the Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and Silver Star for Good Conduct Medal.

While stationed at Great Lakes in the early 1960’s, he met and married his wife Martha (Scheerens-Hall) and became the step-father of Michael Hall, Joanne Hall and William Hall. He was a devoted and loving husband and father.

Stan retired from the Navy as Master Chief Boiler Technician (BTCM) in 1967, after 21 years of dedicated military service, and made his permanent home in Chula Vista, California. Following his Navy retirement, he worked for a short time at National Steel and Shipbuilding Company in San Diego. He began a second career in 1968 as a boiler plant operator and industrial equipment mechanic with the Public Works Center (PWC) where he spent the next 27 years at the Balboa Naval Hospital Complex. During his time with PWC Stan was known to be a very conscientious and dedicated employee as evidenced by the numerous “Superior Performance Awards” that he achieved for his “outstanding” work.

Stan was known to his family and friends as compassionate and warm-hearted; someone who truly cared for others. He was a real “gentleman” and always there to lend a helping hand to those in need. He was truly an inspiration to his children and grandchildren. Leading by example, he taught us the value of hard work and the satisfaction that comes along with it. He was there to praise us for a job-well-done and give us guidance when we needed it.

When not working he enjoyed spending time with his family and long-time friends, and in his spare time enjoyed working in the yard, reading, and doing crossword puzzles.

Stan’s faith was very important to him. He was an active member of Saint Pius X Catholic Church in Chula Vista, CA for over 45 years. While in the Navy and out to sea he would lead his shipmates in Sunday prayers. While in port he would assist his shipmates in leaving the ship to attend Sunday mass services.

After the death of his wife Martha in 2001, he continued to live in Chula Vista with his grandson Matthew, Mathew's wife Julie, and great granddaughter Jordan. He is survived by his stepdaughter Joanne, stepson William, son-in-law Jim, daughters-in-law Carol and Patricia, seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.