Obituary: Stanley Lawrence Sikorski, 84

Stanley Lawrence Sikorski, 84, of East Greenwich, Rhode Island, died Tuesday at St. Luke's Hospital, New Bedford, MA, of respiratory failure.  He is survived by his daughter, Stephanie Patricia Gibbons, son-in-law, Thomas John, and triplet grandchildren, Alicia Carolann, Jessica Patricia, and Thomas Stanley.  Mr. Sikorski was married for 50 years to Clara Patricia Scandlen, who passed away in 2007.

Born in New York City, Mr. Sikorski grew up in Fair Lawn, NJ.  At the age of 18, he hitchhiked across the country to enlist in the Air Force in San Francisco.  While in the service, he attained the rank of seargent first class.  In addition to designing and constructing airfields in Labrador and France, he also was an engineering instructor.

Following five years in the army, Mr. Sikorski married Miss Scandlen in 1952; they resided in Garfield, NJ.  While employed by the Bergen County Highway Department, he attended Fairleigh Dickinson University at night, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering.

Shortly after graduation, he accepted a position with the New Jersey Department of Transportation, and the Sikorskis moved to Pittstown, NJ, where they lived for over 35 years.  In 1999, they moved to Fountain Hills, Arizona, to participate in raising their grandchildren.  Mr. Sikorski moved in with his family after their recent relocation to Rhode Island.

In the 1970s, Mr. Sikorski became a Freemason, and held several offices.  He was a Past Master of his lodge in High Bridge, NJ, and a Past Patron of the affiliated Eastern Star.  He also was active in the Shriners organization.

Mr. Sikorski enjoyed gun collecting, hiking, fishing, and woodworking.

A funeral home service will be a 1:00 pm on February 25, 2014 in the John-Lawrence Funeral Home, 3778 Falmouth Road, Marstons Mills.  Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Osterville.

If you wish, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society in lieu of flowers.