Thomaston - Mr. Irwin E. Tanski, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, June 28, 2014 at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, in Torrington. He was born in Thomaston, CT on March 13, 1924, son of the late Joseph and Mary Tanski. Irwin was a graduate of Thomaston High School and Oliver Wolcott Technical School where he was certified as Master Carpenter. He was proud of his Polish heritage, loved his country and always said the secret to long life was good simple food and spending time with family and friends. His favorite saying was put a "smile on your face and youll win the race". Irv was also an avid trout fisherman and loved playing cribbage and card games with his grandchildren. He proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II in the Pacific Fleet Airship Squadron #32 in Shoemaker, California. After the war he worked for several different companies before spending many years as a carpenter at Scovill/Century Brass in Waterbury. In addition to his wife Madelyn, he leaves his children; Stephan Tanski and wife Karen of Riverview Fl., Michael Tanski and wife Susan of Monticello, Fl., daughter Sarah Gauger and husband John of Winsted, and son Mark Tanski (deceased) and five loving grandchildren, Mara, Mika, Jacob, Emily and Emma. He is also survived by his brother Stanley Tanski, a sister Helen Kohanski both of Thomaston and a sister Henrietta Krulikowski of Union City. Arrangements: Calling hours will be from 9:00 to 10:30 am on Wednesday July 2, at Lyons Funeral Home 46 High St. Thomaston. A Catholic funeral mass will follow at 11:00 A.M. at St. Thomas Church. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Thomas Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent to St. Judes Childrens Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105. www.StJude.org

Service Information Cemetery Saint Thomas Cemetery Altair Ave. Thomaston, CT 06787-____ --> Visitation Wednesday July 2, 2014 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM Lyons Funeral Home 46 High Street Thomaston, CT 06787 --> Service Wednesday July 2, 2014 11:00 AM St. Thomas Church One East Main St. Thomaston, CT -->