Stanley Pianka Jr.

Old Mystic — Stanley A. Pianka Jr., 86, of Old Mystic, passed away Sunday, March 25, 2018, at his daughter’s home surrounded by his family.

Born in Old Mystic, he was the son of the late Stanislaw (Stanley) A. Pianka Sr. and Theodora (Vicenska) Pianka, and lived in Old Mystic until 1953, when he married the late Anna (Buchkowsky) Pianka of Fitchville (Bozrah), and lived there until 1978, returning to his childhood home in Old Mystic, where he resided until recently.

Stanley began his career as a draftsman at Electric Boat where he was proud to have worked on the first nuclear submarine project, the Nautilus. He also moonlighted with his wife while they operated The State Spa, a coffee and grinder shop in Jewett City. In 1960, he started, and solely operated, his own plumbing and heating business serving clientele primarily in his old neighborhoods of Westerly, Pawcatuck, Mystic and Old Mystic. His final career employment was in the piping engineering department at Pfizer from where he retired in 1994.

He had a strong faith in God and enjoyed dancing, especially the polka. He was an aficionado of the Polkabration Week for many years, which was held at Ocean Beach Park in New London.

Stanley is survived by his three children, Bozrah First Selectman Glenn S. Pianka, Shirley Pianka-Kobelski, and her husband Henry, of Oakdale, and Gary Pianka of Oakdale; and three grandchildren, Shannon Chapman, Abigail Pianka and Laura Pianka. He was predeceased by four siblings.

His family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, at the Mystic Funeral Home located on Route 1 (51 Williams Ave.) in Mystic. A service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home. His burial will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery, River Road, Old Mystic.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Bozrah Volunteer Fire Company.