Bruce Bruno Starzynski

Gardner- Bruce A. “Bruno” Starzynski, age 76 of Gardner, passed away suddenly at his home Saturday, October 12, 2024 

He was born in Gardner on June 19, 1948, the son of Zigmont J. and Agnes L. (Koski) Starzynski. He was educated in Gardner Schools, including School Street School, and graduated from Gardner High School, class of 1966. 

He worked as a machinist at General Electric in Fitchburg for over 30 years and did several second jobs including school bus driver and working for his father as a clerk at Brazell's Package Store in Gardner. 

Bruno was an icon in the Gardner community; no matter where he went, he always knew someone. He was highly active in his high school class reunions and was proud to be a GHS alumni. He loved his Polish heritage and was a life-long member of the Polish American Country Club in Gardner. There, he held various leadership roles, worked part-time, and was well known for his preparation of homemade kielbasa and other Polish foods that were prepared for festivals and holiday meals. He was one of the founders of the PACC classic car show and could be found proudly standing by his 67 Chevelle SS. He learned to love racing cars with his brother Victor at any early age. He also enjoyed riding his Harley. 

Bruno was a long-time member of the Gardner Municipal Golf Course with his golf partner and best friend Brian Graves. He played golf every day from as soon as the season opened until the season's final round. He also played on the Thursday PACC Golf League for ten years with a group of friends over 18 holes. Bruno’s other activities kept him busy playing softball for Wayno’s during the summer months and men's hockey league througout the winter. During his younger years he was an avid and excellent skier. 

Bruno loved his children and grandchildren and was enormously proud to share all their accomplishments with his friends and extended family. Whether it was at the Football field, Swimming pool, Hockey rink, Baseball or Softball field, he was there to cheer them on. He also served as the patriarch of the large Starzynski-Hunter family and kept his brothers and sister close and together. 

He is survived by his two children, daughter Coralee Truax and her partner Shawn of Gardner, son Christopher Starzynski of Gardner, grandchildren Madison Truax of Switzerland and Brandon Truax of Shreveport, LA, sister Marcia Szulborski and her husband Joe of Gardner, two brothers Victor Starzynski and his wife Vera of Henniker, NH and Gary Starzynski and his husband Mark of Litchfield, ME, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Bruno also leaves many friends whom he treasured. 

A graveside service will be held Friday, October 18 at 11:00 am at the Wildwood Cemetery, West Street, Gardner, MA  

Stone Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon, MA 01475, has been entrusted with Bruno's funeral arrangements.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Melissa A. McQuaid, funeral directors.