Richard J. Mamuska, 80, of Worcester, died Friday, Nov. 16, 2007 at his home after an illness surrounded by his family.

   He leaves his wife of 57 years, Mary A. (Mara) Mamuska, six children, Susan A. wife of Richard P. Dupont of Spencer, Mary L., wife of Thomas E. Schwartz of Concord, N.H., David J., husband of Bridgit Mamuska of Hood River, Oregon, Julie A., wife of Roy Petsch of Mesa, Ariz., Sara J., wife of Delmer Morris of Indianapolis, and Beth M., wife of Paul Macrina of Norfolk, Mass., a sister, K Helen Fleming of Worcester; twelve beloved grandchildren, nieces and nephews. His infant son, Richard died in 1955. His brother, John A. Mamuska died in 1985.

   Mr. Mamuska was born in Rochdale, son of Anthony J. and Julia K. (Novak) Mamuska and lived in Worcester most of his life.

   He left South High School to enlist in the U.S. Navy during World War II, serving in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. After the war, he returned to South to finish high school and graduate. He later attended Worcester Junior College.

   Mr. Mamuska was a gifted athlete. He played varsity football at South High, and was a talented skier and golfer throughout his adult life. For many years, he was a girls softball coach in the Burncoat Lassie League. He was also an accomplished woodworker.

   Mr. Mamuska worked for the New England Telephone Co. and its parent company AT&T for 32 years, before retiring in 1985. He was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America.

   He loved spending time with his grandchildren.

   Calling hours at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester, are Monday, Nov. 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. The funeral will be Tuesday, Nov. 20 from the funeral home with a Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Joan of Arc Church, 570 Lincoln St., Worcester. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.

   In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to UMass-Memorial Hospice, in care of the UMass-Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 2795, Worcester 01613.