Sturbridge: Richard S. Panek, 79, of Wells Park Rd., passed away on Monday, Dec. 2nd, in the Rose Monahan Hospice Home, Worcester, after an illness.

His beloved wife, Rita C. (Kelley) Panek died in 1992.  He leaves a son, Matthew M. Panek and his wife Megan of Sturbridge; two Daughters, Kelley A Courtemanche and her husband Brian of Chelmsford and Erin F. Henry and her husband Shawn of Whitman; and nine grandchildren, Matthew Courtemanche, Casey Courtemanche, Sam Panek, Will Panek, Jane Panek, Rose Panek, Owen Henry, Claire Henry and Jacob Henry.  He was born in Dudley, the son of Samuel and Florence (Nawrocki) Panek.  Richard served in the US Army.

Richard worked at Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford, CT for over 30 years, retiring many years ago.  He was a train enthusiast of both model trains and real trains.

A funeral Mass for Richard will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 10 ^th , at 10:00am in St. Anne's Church, 16 Church St., Sturbridge.  Burial will follow in St. Anne's Cemetery, Sturbridge.  There are no calling hours.