Mass. VFW Manager Szymkowicz Dies

April 1, 2015 – Joe Ruggiero SSUSA staff

By Joseph Ruggiero

Softball News Report

Stanley D. Szymkowicz, 68, of Fall River, Mass., died on February 10 following a long battle with ocular melanoma.

Playing senior softball for 18 years, Stanley served as shortstop for several teams including VFW Tabor-Franchi, A&A Wrecking, and Nassa Flooring. Stanley also helped manage VFW Tabor-Franchi over the last two years. “He was very fair as a manager,” said Saul Capirchio, best friend and teammate, and “every time he played he played well; he didn’t pull any punches.”

“An all-around great player,” said teammate Tony Rozzero, and talented shortstop, Stanley helped Nassa Flooring win a championship at the Winter Nationals in 2006.

He served in the Marine Corps. during the Vietnam War and received several military honors including the Purple Heart and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.

“Stanley was a great guy who would do anything for anybody,” said Rozzero. Capirchio added that “Stanley always did favors for people. He was selfless, even when he was sick. He was a role model for others and someone I would pick to have my son emulate.”