Stanley J. Polanski

Once you met Stan Polanski chances are you did not forget him. He was the kind of person that made an impression and whether you became friends or not you probably remembered the encounter. His passing on June 9 no doubt brought to mind for many the wealth he shared in love for his family and joy in his friends. Stanley J. Polanski Sr. was born in Mineral Ridge, Ohio on January 4, 1921, the son of John and Catherine Mickiewicz Polanski. He was proud to be a son of immigrants and the Polish enclave in which he grew up on Niles Carver Road. After his elementary and high school years in the Ridge, Stan obtained his undergraduate degree at Ohio University in 1942. Following his service in the 95th Evacuation Hospital in North Africa, Italy and France during World War II he studied law at the University of Cincinnati and was admitted to the bar in 1948. While at school in Cincinnati he met and married Virginia Cooper and soon after returned home to begin raising a family. Of all Stan’s accomplishments, including his service as mayor of McDonald, Ohio, over 50 years in the practice of law and various posts as prosecutor, acting judge and other roles in municipal and county government, he was most proud of being a husband, father and friend. Stan also derived much satisfaction from his two favorite hobbies: fishing and gardening. Especially in his later years few conversations with him did not include a litany of his children, grandchildren and their success as well as the many co-workers and associates he held close to his heart. Along with his wife of 57 years, Virginia, those who will smile the most at many happy memories of Stan are his children and their families: John (Margaret Minghetti) of Mineral Ridge, Stanley Jr. (Sheila Kennedy) of Hampton Falls, N.H., Margaret (grandchildren Bill and Ann Watts) of Greensburg, IN., Paul (Helen) (grandchildren Miles, Peter and Marcella Polanski) of Indian Harbour Beach, FL., Patricia (Kristy Dillon) of Dayton and Teresa (Michael Bukovac) (grandchildren Will Wiencek and John and Paul Bukovac) of Kent. Stan’s sister Helen Hicks resides in Oregon. His deceased family members include his sister Violet and brothers Joseph and Edward. Interment took place at a private service. Stan’s memory will be honored on Saturday, July 1 beginning with a Mass at 4:30 p.m. in St. Mary Church, 3504 St. Rt. 46 in Mineral Ridge, followed by a celebration of his life at a gathering for family and friends.