Grafton – Christopher Curran Staszak died peacefully at home early Friday morning, February 12, 2021. Chris was born Nov. 29, 1953 in Orleans, France. He was the son of Maj. Stanley and Eileen Staszak, both deceased.
He leaves behind is wife of 37 years, Barbara Staszak (Raila); his two beloved children, Madeleine (Maddie) Staszak of Somerville and Katherine (Kiki) Staszak of Los Angeles, Calif.; his loving sister, Stephanie Staszak of South Orange, N.J.; and brother- and sister-in-law, David and Pam Raila of Trumbull, Conn.
Chris served a combination of 20 years in the U.S. Navy, Active Duty and Naval Reserve. He retired at the rank of Commander, U.S. Naval Reserve. He was commissioned in 1976, graduating from Naval Aviation Officer Candidate School, Pensacola, Fla. He spent several years in Flight Training before shifting to Navy Surface Warfare and served a 3-year tour aboard USS Glover, homeported in Norfolk, Va. His final active duty tour returned him to his favorite city, Boston, where he served as the Executive Officer of the USS Constitution, “Old Ironsides,” from 1983-1986.
Chris was employed by Nokia Corp. for over 20 years. He was responsible for senior leadership of Engineering teams across the Energy and US Federal Government segments. In his role as Director of Sales Engineering, Chris led complex engineering engagements with a direct impact on critical networks. Previously, he worked for Pitney Bowes in Stanford, CT. He graduated from Boston University in 1976, and returned to BU to earn his MBA.
Chris loved military history and traveling the world, visiting many different countries throughout his life. He shared this love of travel by bringing his family to Morocco, France, and several other countries. Martha’s Vineyard was also a favorite place, having spent many summers there, beginning in childhood. He had the innate capacity to bring people together, making friends wherever he went. He was a devoted father, brother and loving husband. His generosity and kindness showed through in everything that he did. He will be deeply missed.
Visiting hours will be held Wednesday, Feb. 17, from 2 – 5 p.m., at Roney Funeral Home, 152 Worcester St., North Grafton. Masks are required and social distancing guidelines will be followed. A Celebration of Life service will be held Thursday, Feb. 18, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Luke the Evangelist Church, 70 West Main St., Westborough. All are welcome to gather with Chris’s family for visiting hours and for services. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to his favorite radio station on Martha’s Vineyard, the local NPR affiliate, WMVY. Please visit their website at https://mvyradio.org/support.
