WEBSTER – Raymond A. Starzec, 87, passed away on Friday, September 20, 2013 in St. Vincent Hospital, Worcester surrounded by his family. His wife of 57 years, Anne M. (Polubinskas) Starzec, died in 2005.
Raymond leaves two daughters, Sally, wife of James Patterson III of Webster and Veronica, wife of Peter Jacobs of Dudley; five grandchildren, James Patterson IV and his wife Becky, Raymond Patterson and his wife Lori, Joseph Patterson and his fiancee Jamie Piette, Anne-Marie Androlewicz and Allison Androlewicz; five great-grandchildren, Alycia, James V, Joshua, Bryce and Jocelyn Patterson; a brother, Chester Starzec and his wife Irene of Webster; two sisters, Frances Lavallee and her husband Robert, and Emily Jajko, all of Webster; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers William and Edward “Rudy” Starzec.
He was born in Webster, son of the late Alexander A. and Veronica (Motrucinski) Starzec, and was a lifelong resident. He was the president of his 10th grade class at Bartlett High School. In 2003, the school honored local veterans by awarding a high school diploma to those who served in World War II.
He was a Navy veteran of World War II, serving as a medic aboard the USS Olmstead.
Mr. Starzec worked in the family business, Webster Bottling Company Lakeview Beverages, before he joined the Navy and after he returned home, until the company closed. He then taught woodwind instruments at both Bartlett High School for about 15 years and then in the Southboro School System. He also gave private lessons throughout his life, retiring in his mid-seventies.
An accomplished musician, he played the saxophone, clarinet and flute in many bands. Jazz was his music of choice, and he had fond memories of conducting the BHS jazz band. He also played in the orchestra for countless Broadway plays throughout the area. He was inducted in the Worcester Musicians Hall of Fame in 1986.
He was a lifelong member of Saint Joseph Basilica.
The family would like to thank the Webster VNA for all their compassionate care for Ray in his later years.
The funeral will be held Wednesday, September 25, from the Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, 340 School Street, with a Mass at 11:00 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. A calling period will be held from 8:45 to 10:15 AM Wednesday in the funeral home, prior to the Mass. Donations in his name may be made to St. Joseph Basilica Gymnasium Fund, 53 Whitcomb St., Webster, MA 01570.
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