Walter Theodore Kostanski Jr. (December 10, 1923–June 15, 2015) was an American businessman and politician.

Walter Kostanski
Born(1923-12-10)December 10, 1923
Erving, Massachusetts
DiedJune 15, 2015(2015-06-15) (aged 91)
OccupationBusinessperson & Politician
Years active1957 to 1995
Organizations
Political partyRepublican

History

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Early life

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Walter Kostanski was born in Erving, Massachusetts. He lived in Turners Falls, Massachusetts and went to the Turners Falls High School.[1]

In 1942, Kostanski tried out for the Chicago Cubs, and then the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1946.[1]

Military

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Kostanski served in the United States Naval Armed Guard during World War II. While in the guard he served as a Gunners Mate Third Class on the ESSO Rochester from 1943-1946.[1][2] In 1947, Kostanski married Virginia Geraghty.[1]

Walter Kostanski
Allegiance  United States
Service / branchUnited States Naval Armed Guard
Years of service1943-1946
Awards
  • WWII Victory Medal, American Area Campaign Ribbon
  • European – African Area
  • Campaign Ribbon
  • Asiatic – Pacific Area Ribbon
  • The Philippine Liberation Medal

Business

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After his service in the military he went to the Franklin & Marshall College and to the New England Institute of Funeral Directing Embalming. Kostanski lived in Turners Falls with his wife and family. He was a funeral director and was the owner of the Kostanski Funeral Home in Turners Falls.

Politics

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Kostanski served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1957 to 1971 and was a Republican. He served as the Franklin County Register of Deeds from 1971 to 1995. Kostanski retired in 1995.[1]

Death

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Kostanski died at his home in Turners Falls on June 15, 2015.[3][4][1]

Awards and medals

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War medals include:[1]

Notes

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g "Kostanski Funeral Home, Inc. | Greenfield MA funeral home and cremation". Kostanski Funeral Home, Inc. | Greenfield MA funeral home and cremation. 15 June 2015. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  2. ^ Davis, Richie (25 June 2015). "Former state rep., public servant Walter Kostanski dies at age 91". Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  3. ^ Walter Kostanski-obituary
  4. ^ '1969-1970 Public Officials of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.' Norma C. Pidgeon/Wallace C. Mills, Biographical Sketch of Walter Theodore Kostanski, pg. 203