George Joseph Hlasny

George J. Hlasny, a resident of Natick, Massachusetts since 1959, died Sunday, February 12, 2012 at Oak Knoll Health Care in Framingham. He was 91 and the husband of the late Louise (Nazzaro) Hlasny. He was a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather; a World War II veteran and an accomplished musician and composer. Born in Zbikow, Poland January 18, 1921, he immigrated to Gardner, MA with his sister, Stella (Muzzy) and their parents in 1927. He was a 1939 graduate of Gardner High School and a 1943 graduate of the U. S. Navy School of Music in Washington, D.C.. Mr. Hlasny served honorably in the United States Navy from 1941 to 1947; performing in the U.S. Navy Band at sea, in Europe and domestically. He married Louise Nazzaro in Boston in 1947 and was the loving father of Pamela and Robert. In 1959 the family moved from Athol to Natick. While employed as a printer by trade, music was always an integral part of his life. In addition to proficiency in saxophone, clarinet and guitar, he also played the piano and organ. Throughout his life, he played professionally in many bands throughout New England, sharing his love of music with all, young and old alike. He often performed duets with his wife on piano and organ and continued playing until well in his 80’s. He was always proud of his heritage and Naval service, frequently telling stories of his upbringing and war experiences. He was predeceased by Louise, his wife of 60 years, in September of 2004. He is survived by two children; Pamela Conrado and her husband, Police officer Ronald “Rocky” Conrado of Natick and his son, Dr. Robert Hlasny and his wife, Linda Hlasny of Laconia, NH. He also leaves his four grandchildren; Scott McKeown, Robert McKeown, Adam Hlasny and Evan Hlasny as well as by five great grandchildren, Emma, Samantha, Joey, Ryan and Julia. A funeral mass will be celebrated Thursday, February 16, at 11:30 at St. Patrick Church, 44 East Central St., Natick, MA. The Reverend Father Gary J. Kosmowski of Our Lady of Miraculous Medal, Hampton, NH will officiate. Visitation will take place from 8:30 to 10:30 am Thursday prior to the funeral mass at the Duckett-J. S. Waterman & Sons Home of Memorial Tribute, 656 Boston Post Rd., Rt. 20, Sudbury. Interment will be at St. Patrick Cemetery. Natick. Donations in memory of Mr. Hlasny may be made to the American Cancer Society, MA Division, St. Framingham, MA 01701.