Stanislaus Szydlo

Stan Szydlo , 86 of Franklin, North Carolina was a decorated officer of World War Two and the Korean Conflict. Stan left the world in a better place than he found it. He helped many friends and familythroughout his life...all you had to do was ask. Our dad passed away peacefully on October 9th, 2010 at his residence with his devoted family and friends by his side.

He was born August 20, 1924 in Collinsville, Connecticut, the youngest of eight children. His father and brothers worked over 50 years at the Collinsville Axe Company. Stan enjoyed playing both football and basketball in Canton High School. He recieved a scholarship from Northwestern University leaving early to begin service in the US Arny Air Corps at the young age of 17.

It was his passion to join the Polish Air Force to defend his father’s home country but fate intervened. Instead he flew missions in North Africaa, on D‑Day in France, and in Belgium as a 101st Airborne Carrier pilot. He later served in the Korean Conflict in the 37th Troop Carrier Squadron, 314th Troop Carrier Group. He helped supply the troops involved in the ecacuation of Inchon flying C‑119 Flying Boxcar. He was awarded the bronze star and purple heart for his service and bravery.

Stan retired from USAF and began a career as a professional surveyor and later became a professional engineer under H. P. Williams. He built and maintained roads and bridges for all of South Florida until the mid 70s. He was a maintenance supervisor in the Florida Department of Transportation.

Stan raised a family in Miami during the early 50s until the mid 70s with his first wife Irene and his three sons, Michael, Stephen and Thomas. He frequently visited Poland to assist his mother’s family in Lubatova. He was predeceased by his second wife Sally wi th whom he shared a love affair that shined more than 25 years. He is survived by his 3 sons, his 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. We will all miss his kindness, smile and generosity. He was loved and respected by many.

The following Eulogy was presented by Stephen Szydlo on October 16, 2010:

It is sad that Dad has passed away. It was his time, his body giving out. He passed under the loving care of his son Mike and his team of care takers Vicky, his daughter in law, Sue, Cathy, and many others. His sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren visited him and bid him a loving farewell in his last days. The family is grateful to all who honor his memory.

As a child I remember Dad working for the FL Department of Transportation as a civil engineer and maintenance supervisor. During Hurricane Donna for example he oversaw repairs from the devastating damage in the Keys. I believe he met his love, Sally during those travels. Mike related a story about a bridge which he supervised its building and maintenance in Goodland, Collier County.

As a child I remember wearing his WWII flight jacket and leather flight cap. Stan was called up for duty to USAF Reserve during the Cuban Missile Crisis circa 1962-1963. He was excited to be serving again in the logistics effort at that time.

Stan could have chosen many final resting places, but he wished to be with soul mate and wife Sally. I went by their previous Naples home. It brought back great memories of Stan and Sally. Particularly the Christmas Eve party…when Stan and Sally would cook an amazing dinner and drink everyone under the table. Also Stan would give everyone the Communion Host sent to him by his Polish cousin who was a priest. They really enjoyed having all the grandchildren running around the house, opening up Christmas gifts and laughing. Lisa reminded me of the antique Chinese vase on the side of the house with the gold fish Stan kept in it. I remember their dogs Katura “cootie”, Chester “the greatest dog in the world” and Peggy Sue “the English Sheep dog from up the street on Trimount Lake Road…I recall walking with Stan and Katura on the Loop road in the Big Cypress Reserve. Both Stan and Sally loved their children and grandchildren. They had a good life together. I remember boating with them visiting their island Channel Key where they dreamed of docking a teak houseboat there and spending time together.

I hope our memories of them do not fade, but keep them in our thoughts and prayers in times of reflection. May Stan and Sally be rejoiced together again in Heaven.