Stanley Lopata

Stanley A. Lopata, 99, of East Hartford, passed away on Saturday, January 18, 2014 in the comfort of his home with his wife of 61 yrs, Irene, by his side. We will always remember our ”Papa” as a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather who for many years enjoyed remarkably good health and strength. His family meant the world to him and we were blessed to have him in our lives. We will miss him dearly. Born on April 25, 1914, in Shenandoah, Pa., Stanley was the son of the late Catherine and Adam Lopata. He was employed as a machinist by Hamilton Standard for 30 years, retiring in 1976. He was a longtime parishioner of St. Mary’s Church in East Hartford and was also a member of the Polish National Home in Hartford, CT. In addition to his beloved wife, Stanley is survived by three children, daughter Sharon and her husband John Maciaga of South Windsor, son Philip and his wife Kathy of South Windsor, and son Thomas and his wife Marilyn of South Windsor. He was predeceased by his daughter Deanne Lopata Champagne. He leaves eight grandchildren Caroline Maciaga, Sean and Benjamin Lopata, Joshua (wife Kayla), Kelsey and Adrian Lopata, Eric (wife Marlena) Champagne, Stephen (wife Debby) Champagne and two great granddaughters Olivia Deanne Champagne, and Savannah Deanne Champagne. He also leaves sisters-in-law Margaret (husband Edward) Skehan, Eileen Casey, Barbara Casey, Carolyn Casey and numerous nieces and nephews. Stanley was predeceased by two sisters Anne Rutkowski, Sister Mary Valenta, and a brother Adelbert Lopata.

Stanley was a devoted husband, loving dad and provider for his family. He was fortunate to enjoy many years of retirement. He loved to work around his home, go to Florida in the month of March, and travel throughout the United States, Ireland, England and Hawaii. But if it was summertime, he could always be found in the backyard tending to his vegetable garden. In the past year of his life, Stanley was able to enjoy the birth of another great granddaughter and dance with Irene at his grandson’s wedding. His family is deeply grateful to Masonicare Hospice, especially Katie (R.N.), Liz and Carol, for providing wonderful care for Stanley and their support in the past few months, allowing us to keep him at home.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at 9:00 AM at Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Ave. East Hartford, followed by the funeral liturgy at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church. Burial will follow at Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery in Bloomfield. Calling hours will be on Tuesday, January 21st from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the funeral home.

Memorial donations in Stanley’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 417005 Boston, MA 02241-7005 To leave an online condolence, please visit www.newkirkandwhitney.com