Bernard P. Skamarycz, 81, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 under the loving care of his family and the staff at Newton Wellesley Center for Alzheimer’s Care in Wellesley. Born and raised in Gardner, Bernie was the son of Peter and Viola (Oblon) Skamarycz and lived 49 years in Worcester.

Bernie graduated from Gardner High School in 1954. He enlisted in the United States Marines Corps and honorably served his country as a sergeant during the Korean War. After returning home from the service, he met the love of his life, Marie Codi of Gardner. The couple married on May 17, 1958 and later moved to Worcester where they raised their four children.

He graduated from Worcester Junior College and worked at Weetabix Co. in Clinton as the purchasing director. He previously worked at Brown Shoe Co. in Worcester and the Van Brode Co. in Clinton.

Bernie was a member of St. George Church in Worcester and a former Commander of the Polish American Veterans in Clinton. He was a proud Marine and was a member of the Marine Corps League and was a former member of Holden Hills Country Club. Bernie enjoyed playing golf and fishing with his son and grandsons. First and foremost, Bernie was a family man. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and looked forward to family gatherings or any occasion that would bring them together. He had an insatiable sense of humor and was social by nature. Bernie was always involved in his family’s activities and is affectionately remembered as the “master of volleyball” at family reunions.

He will be lovingly missed and remembered by his beloved wife of 59 years, Marie R. (Codi) Skamarycz; a son, Peter A. Skamarycz and his fiancée, Pam Bolarinho of New Bedford; three daughters, Penny-Lynn Earle and her husband, Richard of Grafton, Gail R. Vickstrom and her husband, James of Millbury and Lori A. Cooper and her husband, Michael of San Diego, CA; a brother, Richard Skamarycz of Gardner; two sisters, Frances Arsenault of Auburn and Judy Dill of Gardner; nine grandchildren, Codi, Tyler, Julia, Sarah, McKenzie, Benjamin, Jillian, Laine and Samuel; nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Bernie is predeceased by a brother, Robert Skamarycz and a sister, Joan Wheeler.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Bernie’s family from 9 to 10 am on Monday, January 15, at St. George Church, 40 Brattle St., Worcester followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am. Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 390 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452. Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden is assisting the family with arrangements.