WEBSTER – Edward J. Papski, 97, died Saturday, December 21, 2013 at home after a period of declining health.
He leaves a niece, Patricia M. Zmetra and her husband Ronald J. Zmetra of Dudley; a grandnephew, Joseph A. Zmetra and his wife Tami; 2 grandnieces, Lauren P. Fitzgerald and her husband Donald and Francesca P. Zmetra and her husband Gregory Ramirez; a great-grandniece Sydney; and 3 great-grandnephews, Logan, Landon and Brody. He was predeceased by a sister, Josephine A. Nalejwak in 1980 and by his lifelong friend, Florence A. Lucas in June.
He was born in Webster, son of Michael and Agnes (Kleczka) Papski and was a lifelong resident. He was a graduate of Bartlett High School. Mr. Papski was a licensed insurance agent at Nalewajk Insurance Agency for 70 years, retiring in 1999.
He was a Navy veteran of World War II, serving as a quartermaster 2nd class in the Pacific Theater on a patrol boat. He was a 67-year member of the Webster-Dudley American Legion Post #184 and also a member of the Disabled American Veterans.
He was a life member of the Auburn-Webster Lodge of Elks #2118 in Auburn. He was active in the former Webster Lodge of Elks #1466, serving on the annual golf tournament committee for years. He acted as grand marshal of the yearly Elks Flag Day parade.
A lifetime golfer, he was on the original founding board of directors of the first Dudley golf course, later Nichols golf course and more recently the Webster-Dudley golf course. He sponsored an annual golf tournament to raise funds for junior golfers at this course.
He had a great interest in politics: he was a member of the Webster Republican Committee and also a member of the National Republican Committee for over 30 years. He served as an elected board member of the Webster Registrar of Voters for the better part of 35 years.
He was a lifetime member of Saint Joseph Basilica.
The funeral will be held Friday, December 27, from the Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, 340 School St., with a Mass at 10:00 AM in Saint Joseph Basilica, 53 Whitcomb Street. Burial will be in St. Joseph Garden of Peace. The Webster-Dudley Veterans Council will perform the military honors at the cemetery. Calling hours will be from 5:00 to 8:00 PM Thursday, December 26, in the funeral home. Donations in his name may be made to the Edward Papski Junior Golf Tournament, c/o Jim Siekierski, Dudley Hill Golf Club, 80 Airport Road, Dudley, MA 01571.