Stanley W. Gratkowski, aged 83, of Scranton, passed away peacefully on Monday at the Hospice of The Sacred Heart inpatient unit in Dunmore, following complications due to pancreatic cancer. Born and raised in Scranton, Stanley’s life was a testament to hard work, dedication, and service.
A proud graduate of Scranton Technical High School, Stan was a member of St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish and served his country with honor in the National Guard. From a young age, Stan had a remarkable work ethic, holding jobs as a paperboy, a pin setter in a bowling alley, and roles at Coney Island to support his family.
After marriage, Stan embarked on a diverse and fulfilling career. He started as a sales executive for Bracket Steel, honed his skills as a carpenter, custom cabinet builder, and home builder, and contributed to home renovations with Amity Lumber of Taylor. He was a jack of all trades, and he would often moonlight with odd jobs to further support his young family.
In retirement, Stanley’s passion for community service shone brightly. He volunteered at the Scranton Senior Community Center, where he enjoyed cooking for fundraisers and often donated the ingredients himself, leaving a lasting impact on his community.
Stanley’s legacy lives on through his loving family. He is survived by his cherished children; Marc Gratkowski of Dunmore; Holly Gratkowski and husband, Joseph Steitz, of Wayne, PA; Jason Gratkowski and his wife, Megan, of Jim Thorpe; and Jeremy Gratkowski of Dunmore; and his seven beloved grandchildren, Luke Gratkowski, Ian Gratkowski, Keith Steitz, Brayden Steitz, Evangeline Gratkowski, Nolan Gratkowski, and Gavin Steitz. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy Dopko of Dunmore, along with many friends and family.
Stanley was the beloved son of the late Stanley J. and Stella (Buzzinski) Gratkowski. He was preceded in death by his son, Keith Gratkowski, his sister, Janet Mikrut, and his brother, Richard Gratkowski.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Stanley’s honor on Saturday at 10 am at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Church, 1217 Prospect Avenue, Scranton, PA 18505, officiated by the Rev. Fr. Mark DeCelles. Interment will follow at Sacred Hearts Cemetery, Davis Street, with Military Honors accorded by the Dickson City Veterans Honor Guard.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Friday from 5 to 7 pm at the Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 262 Railroad Avenue, West Scranton.
The family asks that contributions be made to the American Cancer Society to help support others in their battle.
