Robert M. Baniukiewicz, 81, of Holden, died Thursday June 19, 2025 at home after an illness.

He leaves his wife of 46 years, Mary-Jo (Judge) Baniukiewicz; four children, Robert M. Baniukiewicz Jr. and his wife Erin of Grafton, Richard M. Baniukiewicz of Marianna, Fla., Elizabeth M. Stiles and her husband Derek of Holden, and Matthew J. Baniukiewicz and his wife Christine of Marlborough; seven grandchildren, Nathan and Delaney Baniukiewicz, Ryan Baniukiewicz, Evan and Abigail Stiles, and Michael and Theodore Baniukiewicz; a great-granddaughter Olivia Baniukiewicz; a sister Janice Stickles and her husband Dean of Sandwich; nieces and nephews. His brother Joseph M. Baniukiewicz passed away in 2021. His nephew Joseph M. Baniukiewicz Jr. passed away in 2003.

Robert was born in Worcester, son of Joseph F. and Jennie T. (Brodzik) Baniukiewicz, and has lived in Holden more than 25 years.

He attended St. Mary’s High School in Worcester, and Worcester Junior and Quinsigamond Community colleges. He played for and captained St. Mary’s High School’s undefeated basketball team in 1961. Years later, in 1989, he coached the St. Mary’s Girls’ Grammar School team to an undefeated season and a Catholic Conference championship title.

He was an inside sales representative for Staples in Framingham for many years before retiring. Previously, he had worked in sales for the Small Business Service Bureau in Worcester.

Robert was a longtime basketball official and softball umpire. He was a member of Board 26 of International Association of Approved Basketball Officials (IAABO) and USSSA Softball.

The funeral will take place Thursday, June 26, with a calling hour at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Loreto Church, 37 Massasoit Rd., Worcester; followed by a Mass at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.