Bernard J. Witkowski, Jr., 56, passed away on Saturday, January 18, 2014 at Ichabod Washburn Hospice Residence after an illness. He was born in Holden, the son of Bernard J. and Laura M. (Wagner) Witkowski, Sr.

     He leaves his loving wife of 19 years, Elizabeth A. (Smith) Witkowski; two children, Scott and Sarah Witkowski whom both attend Assabet Valley High School; two sisters, Lynda Chysna and her husband Robert and Brenda Kennedy and her husband Edward; his mother-in-law, Ellen Smith; his father-in-law, Owen Smith and his wife Patricia; a sister-in-law, Linda Butler and her husband Robert; and many wonderful nephews, nieces, grand nieces and grand nephews.

     Bernard graduated from the electrical shop at Worcester Boys Trade School in 1976 and was a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force National Guard at Green Hill Park.

     He worked for the Town of Shrewsbury for the last six years as a custodian at the high school and then at the Sherwood Middle School where all the kids and staff loved him. He was an assistant cub master for Cub Scout Troop 146 at St. Anne’s Church for four years. He enjoyed working on old cars, camping and spending time with his family and neighbors by the pool or having a cook out.

     Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. The funeral for Bernard will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 22, at 11 a.m. in the funeral home follow by a committal service at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. Please omit flowers. Donations may be made to the Witkowski Family Trust at TD Bank North, 200 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.