1922 – 2015

TOPSHAM — Kazimierz “Ski” John Szczepanski, 93, of The Highlands, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 21, with his family by his side.

He was born in Trenton, N.J., on Feb. 25, 1922, a son of Adam Szczepanski and Katherine Rogowoki. He attended Trenton schools and earned his GED.

In 1942, he joined the Navy during World War II and flew a lighter-than-air blimp. In 1943, he completed gunnery school and saw combat in a Naval Liberator B-24 as a tail gunner. Ski always said, “He wanted to see them coming.”

In 1946, after the war, Ski went on to Catapult School and was a plank owner on the USS Coral Sea.

In 1953, he attended blimp school and was transferred to the Brunswick Naval Air Station, where he worked hard and earned his rank of senior chief.

While stationed at BNAS, Ski met and married the love of his life, Amilda “Millie” Comeau on March 15, 1956. They resided in Bath and raised their family.

In 1967, Ski attained the rank of full lieutenant, later retiring in 1973 after 30 years of service.

He loved improving his education and after his service, he attended school to become a realtor and did taxes as well. He received his Bachelor of Arts in business from New Hampshire College in 1978.

He survived by a sister, Irene Helsel of New Jersey; his four sons, John E. Szczepanski and his wife, Kara, of West Bath, Charles Douglas and wife, Pauline, of Lewiston, Gregory Douglas and wife, Sara, of Dyer Brook, and Gordon Douglas and wife, Alison, of New Hampshire; daughter, Terri Barris of Westbrook; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Ski is predeceased by his parents; his wife of 58 years, Millie; a brother, Henry Szczepanski; a grandson, Kyle John Szczepanski; and a great-granddaughter, Chloe Douglas.

To express your thoughts and condolences with the family, please visit www.desmondfuneralhomes.com.