Stanley "Stash" Robert Motyka

Stanley Robert “Stash” Motyka, 89, longtime resident of Southbridge, MA, peacefully died on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at his daughter’s house in Lynchburg, VA, sitting in his favorite chair watching a baseball game.

Stanley was born on October 17, 1936, in Webster, MA, to Stanley and Mary (Pietruszka) Motyka. He graduated from St. Joseph’s Elementary School and Bartlett High School, both in Webster, MA. Stanley attended and graduated from the New England College of Pharmacy (now part of Northeastern University) in Boston and was extremely proud that he worked in his career as a pharmacist for more than 50 years.

Stanley spent many years as co-owner of Hartwell Pharmacy (once the oldest pharmacy in Massachusetts), and was known as a man who would give the shirt off his back to help anyone in need. He was a member of the Southbridge Exchange Club and the Pilsudski Polish American Club (PPAC). In his younger days he played softball (SSA) for WESO. In later years he helped at the St. Mary’s food pantry. Stanley was passionate about the Boston sports scene and had season tickets to the New England Patriots. He was fun-loving and social with a great sense of humor and was known as a quality man of a bygone generation.

Stanley is survived by his five children and their spouses: Beth and Jerry Croke of Lynchburg, VA, Paula and Chris Morse of Ball Ground, GA, Susan and Jesse Anderson of Worcester, MA, Michael and Debbie Motyka of Rochdale, MA, and Ron and Amy Motyka of Plymouth, MA; his eight grandchildren and their partners: Nathaniel and Julia Croke, Melissa Croke and Manny Gonzalez, Hannah and Paul McBeth, Christopher and Taylor Morse, Sarah and Dennis Rivera, Matt Coakley, Rachel Motyka, and Joseph Motyka; and his great-grandchildren: Xylan, Cassian, Pablo, Levi, Newton, Oliver, Isobel, and Everly. He also leaves behind his brother Peter, as well as in-laws, many nieces and nephews, and friends. He was predeceased by his first wife, Pauline (Bushey), and his second wife, Theresa (Gravel), and five of his six brothers: Edward, Walter, Charles, Joseph, and Thomas.

Stanley will be greatly missed.

A service will be held at a future date.