Stanley John Ciekawy, 92, of Granite Farms Estates, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2016 in the arms of loved ones. Stanley will be remembered for his bright smile, enthusiasm, compassion and curiosity about the world. He was nicknamed "Foxy" both for his humor and ability to solve problems. Born in Chester, PA on March 13, 1924, he was the fifth child of Maria (Gawrys) Ciekawy and Apolinary Ciekawy. Stanley grew up in the Leiperville section of Crum Lynn, and was a dedicated member of St. Rose of Lima Church.

As a child, Stanley was supported by loving parents and siblings, a close-knit neighborhood, his Polish-American heritage, and the guidance of the Catholic Church. He loved to play baseball, tend the family garden, raise chickens and rabbits, and go to local carnivals, boxing matches and football games. While working as a caddy, Stanley developed a passion for golf. He was a member of the Vauclain Fire Company and graduated from Ridley High School in 1942.

Stanley served in the US Army in the South West Pacific Theater during WWII. He was wounded in the Philippines and was among the first soldiers to take part in the Allied Occupation of Japan. Stanley was a life member of the American Legion Post 777 and the Pacific Buddies Association.

In 1948, Stanley met the love of his life, Violet Kozumbo, and they married two years later. They raised their daughter, Diane, in the house they built in Ridley Park. They cherished their everyday lives together, and especially enjoyed taking weekend car rides, going on vacation to the shore and Lancaster, and making family dinners on Christmas and Easter.

At the US Postal Service in Chester, Stanley was known as a friendly and valued co-worker. An experienced vegetable gardener, Stanley would drop off delicious tomatoes on the doorsteps of neighbors and relatives throughout the summer. He avidly read newspapers as well as golfing, WWII and current events magazines. He valued service, knowledge and open-mindedness.

Stanley was a devoted husband and father. His greatest joy was in caring for Violet and Diane; his parents; his mother-in-law, Mary Kozumbo; and his father-in-law, John Kozumbo. When he retired, he extended his time on the golf course, made and repaired golf clubs for friends, and joined the Sports Factory exercise club. In 2008, Stanley and Violet moved to Granite Farms Estates in Media.

He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Stephen Ciekawy and Charles Ciekawy; sisters, Helen Ciekawy and Francis Skut; and in-laws, Anthony Skut Sr., Georgina Ciekawy, Edward Trotman and Viola Trotman.

Stanley leaves his beloved wife Violet; daughter, Diane Ciekawy; son-in-law, Bruce Owens; sister-in-law, Theresa Aronson; nieces, Francis June, Barbara Rhodes, Karen Skut, Lorraine Westermeyer, Susan Brown, Mary Jean Miller, Virginia Bak, Christine Lee and Lynn Wunz; and nephews, Anthony Skut, Wayne Diehl, Michael Diehl and Thomas Trotman.


Memorial Mass: 10:00 AM Saturday, November 19, 2016 at St. Rose of Lima Church, 1901 Chester Pike, Eddystone, PA, where friends may call from 9:00 - 9:45 AM, with a eulogy at 9:45 AM.

Burial: SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery

Funeral Luncheon: 1:00 PM at The Springfield Country Club

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Kidney Fund, 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville MD 20852.