Stan Szydlo
d. October 9, 2010
Stan Szydlo
Franklin - Stan Szydlo, 86 of Franklin, North Carolina was a decorated officer of World War Two and the Korean Conflict. Stan left the world in a better place than he found it. He helped many friends and family throughout his life...all you had to do was ask. Our dad passed away peacefully on October 9th, 2010 at his residence with his devoted family and friends by his side.
He was born August 20, 1924 in Collinsville, Connecticut, the youngest of eight children. His father and brothers worked over 50 years at the Collinsville Axe Company. Stan enjoyed playing both football and basketball in Canton High School. He recieved a scholarship from Northwestern University leaving early to begin service in the US Arny Air Corps at the young age of 17.
It was his passion to join the Polish Air Force to defend his fathers home country but fate intervened. Instead he flew missions in North Africa, on D-Day in France, and in Belgium as a 101st Airborne Carrier pilot. He later served in the Korean Conflict in the 37th Troop Carrier Squadron, 314th Troop Carrier Group. He helped supply the troops involved in the evacuation of Inchon flying C-119 Flying Boxcar. He was awarded the bronze star and purple heart for his service and bravery.
Stan retired from USAF and began a career as a professional surveyor and later became a professional engineer under H. P. Williams. He built and maintained roads and bridges for all of South Florida until the mid 70s. He was a maintenance supervisor in the Florida Department of Transportation.
Stan raised a family in Miami during the early 50s until the mid 70s with his first wife Irene and his three sons, Michael, Stephen and Thomas. He frequently visited Poland to assist his mothers family in Lubatova. He was predeceased by his second wife Sally wi th whom he shared a love affair that shined more than 25 years. He is survived by his 3 sons, his 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. We will all miss his kindness, smile and generosity. He was loved and respected by many.
Funeral services will be held at 1 PM Saturday, October 16, 2010 Naples at Naples Memorial Cemetery.
Bryant-Grant Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences are available by visiting bryantgrantfuneralhome.com or by email.
