WORCESTER___Vite G. Sviklas, 81, of Worcester, died Tuesday, June8, 2010 in Rose Monahan Hospice Home, 10 Judith Road. His wife of 50 years, Lillian (Simakauskas) Sviklas died in 2008. He leaves three daughters, Dr. Mary Tanzer of Hollis, NH, Christine Sviklas of Worcester and Paula Sheehan wife of James Sheehan, Jr. of Millbury; a son, George Sviklas of Worcester; four grandchildren, Evan and Mitchell Tanzer of Hollis, NH; Faith and Patrick Sheehan of Millbury, MA; a sister Nellie Paladino, wife of A.J. Paladino of Worcester and several nieces and nephews. He was born in Worcester, the son of George and Nellie (Trunce) Sviklas.
Mr. Sviklas was a pasteurizer, for over thirty years, working in local dairies including Laipson’s, Sunrise and Whiting Milk. He later worked at Phalo and Belden Wire & Cable Company. Vite was a proud member of the former St. Casimir’s Church. “Papa”, as he was affectionately known, enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He liked playing games and excelled at Wii bowling. He was an avid sports fan, following Holy Cross football, the Patriots, Red Sox and more recently the Celtics. Vite was known for his sense of humor; he loved to tell jokes and gently tease anyone and everyone. He enjoyed cooking and his specialties included rotisserie chicken, potato pancakes and chop suey.
The funeral will be held on Friday, June 11, from HENRY-DIRSA FUNERAL HOME, 33 Ward St., with a Mass at 10:30 AM in Our Lady of Loreto Church, 37 Massasoit Road. Burial will be in St. John Cemetery. Calling hours in the funeral home will be Friday, June 11 from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Rose Monahan Hospice, 10 Judith Road, Worcester, MA 01602.