Stanley S. Kwiatkowski, also known as Ken Montana, a resident of Vernon Hill, passed away Saturday, January 10th, 2009, in Holy Trinity Eastern Orthodox Nursing & Rehabilitation Center at age 94 due, to complications from a fall. His wife, Anna (Marcinkiewicz) passed away in 1996.

   Stanley is survived by his son, Kenneth Kwiatkowski and wife Sharon of Auburn; a daughter, Judith (Archambeault) Tupper and husband Robert of Mesa, Arizona, formerly of Worcester; his brother, Joseph and wife Theresa of Worcester; his five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and his sister-in-law, Lillian Kwiatkowski. His five brothers, Matthew, Vincent, Francis, Felix, and Peter Kwiatkowski and a sister, Nellie Sawa all predeceased him.

   Stanley was born in Worcester on April 28, 1914, He served his country during World War II, in the U.S. Army European Theatre and lived here all his life. Upon returning from the War, he worked at Buehler Brothers Market until it closed. He then worked 25 years as a mail clerk for the U.S. Post Office on East Central St. until retiring. Upon retirement, Stanley and his wife enjoyed following his passion, polka music. He was a great fan of Jimmy Sturr and Dick Pillar. He attended the Dick Pillar Polkabrations in New London at Ocean Beach up until 2008.

   Stanley was a life member of the Polish American Veterans of World War II, where he served as a past Commander and officer. He was also a member of the Polish Falcons of America.

   In the 1980’s, Ken and his family members organized Cancer Fund Raiser’s at the PAV and Arcadia Ballrooms on Green Street. He earned recognition from the American Cancer Society for his generous efforts. For a brief time in his life, Stanley spent time in the southern states pursuing his singing (Country Western) career as Ken Montana.

   Ken was a very familiar face on the streets of Worcester. He took his daily walks in the Vernon Hill/Water Street areas where he would always stop to get bread to feed the birds. Worcester Magazine interviewed him on November 6, of 2008 on one of these occasions. Stanley leaves a legacy of Polish tradition to his family. He will be greatly missed.

   Stanley’s funeral will be held Tuesday, January 13, 2009 from the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester, Ma with a Mass at a time to be announced in St. Joan of Arc Church, 570 Lincoln Street. Burial will be in Worcester Memorial Park in Paxton. Calling hours will be held Monday, January 12th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Members of the Polish American Veterans will meet at 7 p.m. in the funeral home to conduct their ritual. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 350 Plantation St., Worcester 01604 or the St. Vincent de Paul Society, c/o St. Joan of Arc Church, 570 Lincoln St. 01605.