Stanley Rydjeski

RANDOLPH—Stanley Alexander Rydjeski, 74, died peacefully Thursday morning, March 15, 2007 at the Vermont Veterans Home in Bennington, where he had been since February 20.

He was born June 21, 1932 in West Rutland, the son of Stanley A. and Alexandra (Krystosiak) Rydjeski. He graduated from West Rutland High School, then served in the U. S. Marine Corps during the Korean War.

He married Letitia Hamel in Montpelier February 15, 1958.

He was a trooper for the Vermont State Police from 1955 until retiring in 1985, working primarily in St. Albans, Grand Isle, Montpelier, and Bethel. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in law enforcement from Castleton State College in 1973.

He was a member of the Marine Corps League Rifle Team-Edson Detachment of Rutland, the Am-erican Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Saints Donatian & Rogatian Catholic Church. He served as assistant troop leader for the Randolph Boy Scouts, and played bagpipes for the Chandler Center for the Arts 1971 production of "Brigadoon." He was a self-taught bagpipe player, and avid outdoorsman, and enjoyed music.

Survivors include his wife, Letitia Rydjeski of Randolph; a son, Stanley A. Rydjeski II of Lebanon, N.H.; a daughter, Letitia M. Rydjeski of St. Peterburg, Russia; two brothers: Edward Rydjeski of San Diego, Calif. and Walter Rydjeski of Rutland; a sister, Helen Boutwell of West Rutland; and two grandchildren, Christopher and Alicia Rydjeski.

He was predeceased by a son, Alexander W. Rydjeski; three brothers: Henry, John and Joseph Rydjeski; and two sisters: Mary Breznik and Jenny Daley.

A funeral mass was held Monday morning, March 19 at the Saints Donatian & Rogatian Catholic Church in Randolph, with the Rev. John Milanese, officiating. Irma Hartigan was the organist and soloist. An honor guard from the Vermont State Police was present, and provided a bagpiper, who played "Amazing Grace" as the casket was taken from the church. Pallbearers were John Palmer, Edward Farmer, Douglas Lawrence, William Boutwell, Dennis Rydjeski, and Philip Hannah. Calling hours were held Sunday evening at the Day Funeral Home. Burial with full military honors will be Friday, May 4 at 11 a.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery.

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