John Stanczak, Founding Member of Fire Company, Dead at 86

Former Hillsborough Fire Chief  John Stanczak, 86, died on Tuesday—30 days after local fire fighters and officials celebrated his decades of service to Hillsborough.

Stanczak was a founding member of Hillsborough Volunteer Fire Co. no. 2, on Route 206, serving as chief in 1962 and 1963. His decades of volunteer service was recognized April 7, during a special luncheon in Montgomery. 

"Chief Stanczak was always a fixture at our membership meetings and company events, always showing up with a smile, sitting in the back and enjoying the company and comradrie of the brotherhood," the fire company posted on its website announcing his death. "Chief always lent a helping hand with certain projects especially when it came to woodwork which was his profession and his passion. 

"The younger members always enjoyed talking to the Chief and picking his brain of fire tactics and listening to the stories he would tell about the early days of Hillsborough and our company," the post added.  

After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Stanczak became a union carpenter, and enjoyed gardening and woodworking.

He was born in Somerville and was a lifelong resident of Hillsborough. 

He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Helen, who died in 2010. Surviving are his son John H. Stanczak of Fairfax, Va., and his daughter, Judith Walker and her husband, Ralph, of Hopewell.

A funeral service will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday in the Hillsborough Funeral Home. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery, Hopewell.

Visiting for family and friends will be from 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Stanczak's name may be made to Hillsborough Volunteer Fire Co. no. 2.