Stanley J. "Starsh" Burdzel, 71, of Worcester died Wednesday in his home, surrounded by his loving family, after an illness.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 30 years, Barbara V. (Grazulis) Burdzel, of Worcester; his children, Cheryl, of Worcester, Joseph, of Lehigh Acres FL, Todd, and his wife Sally, Carl, and Robin, all of Worcester, and Michael and his wife Jane of Leicester; he also leaves 13 adoring grandchildren and 2 adoring great grandchildren. Other members of his family include a sister, Sally A. Breault of Spencer, and several nieces and nephews. A son Craig and a brother William H. Burdzel predeceased him.

He was born in Sutton, the son of the late Joseph F. and Sophie L. (Cienava) Burdzel; he was educated in Leicester schools. A proud veteran, Mr. Burdzel served his country as a member of the U.S. Air force. He worked for many years as a truck driver, he was a member of the local 170 Teamsters Union. He worked for Millbrook Distributors in Leicester for many years, after his retirement he worked part time for BASF in Worcester. He was a member of the Leicester Knights of Columbus, where he was a 4th Degree Knight.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Friday from 5-8 PM, in the Britton-Wallace Funeral Home, 91 Central Street, Auburn. His funeral will be held on Saturday from the funeral home, with a Mass at 10:00 AM in Our Lady of the Angels Church 1222 Main Street, Worcester. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park. Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to: UMass Memorial Hospice, c/o UMass Memorial Foundation, PO Box 2795, Worcester, MA 01613-9938.