Stanley J. Pac, Sr., 89, of New Britain, died on Friday (September 21, 2012). He was the beloved husband of the late Genevieve T. (Gorski) Pac. Born in New Britain, he was the son of the late Joseph and Maryjanna (Petek) Pac, and was a lifelong resident. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church and a graduate of the school. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps 1st Marine Division during World War II and was deployed to the South Pacific, where he fought in the Battle of Guadalcanal. Stanley enjoyed playing many different sports, but he was especially fond of baseball. He played at New Britain High School and after his discharge from the U.S. Marines, he played for a season with the Miami Beach Flamingos. He served two terms as State Representative and was elected State Senator from New Britain. A brilliant man, his colleagues in the Senate voted him the most effective speaker and best researcher. During his Senate term, he was elected Mayor of the City of New Britain in 1972. After winning a second term as Mayor, Governor Ella Grasso selected him as Commissioner of Motor Vehicles in 1975. Always a steward of the environment, both Governor Grasso and later Governor O'Neill appointed him as Commissioner of Environmental Protection where he served for over ten years. Stanley maintained an active athletic lifestyle into his 70s and was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox. He was active in the Sacred Heart Church as the lay representative for the corporation, a member of the parish and finance council. He was a recipient of the St. Joseph's medal from the archbishop. He was instrumental in the creation of the endowed chair for Polish Studies at CCSU. He also enjoyed bowling, gardening and spending time with family and friends playing cards. A loving and devoted father and grandfather, he leaves his six children, Patricia Pac and her husband Paul LeTendre of Wethersfield, Barbara Pac of New Britain, Corinne Pac and Jerry Fort of Newington, Stanley Pac, Jr. and his wife Dale of Southington, Therese Pac and Barry Thompson of Bristol and Tracy Ryan and her husband Christopher of Wethersfield, his two grandchildren, Matthew and Kaitlin Ryan; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings Mary, Helen, Frank, Joseph, Veronica, Celia, and Florence.
His funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 25, 2012 at 10 a.m. at the Burritt Hill Funeral Home, 332 Burritt St., New Britain followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, New Britain. He will be laid to rest beside his wife in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Monday from 2-4 p.m. and from 6-8 p.m. at Burritt Hill.