In 1942, he joined the Navy during World War II and flew with 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. In 1953, he was transferred to B.N.A.S. where he worked hard making his rank of Senior Chief.
While stationed at B.N.A.S., 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 and later retired in 1973 after 30 years of service. He loved getting further educated and after his service attended school to become a realtor and did taxes as well. He received his B.A. in business from New Hampshire College in 1978.
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.
He survived by a sister Irene Helsel of New Jersey; his five children, 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, Gordon Douglas and wife Alison of New Hampshire; daughter Terri Barris of Westbrook; 11 grandchildren and 12 greatgrandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, March 27, 2015, from 4 to 6 p.m. at David E. Desmond & Son Funeral Home, 638 High St., Bath, with a Mass of Christian burial to take place on Saturday at 10 a.m. at All Saints Parish, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 144 Lincoln St., Bath.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ski’s memory may be made to the: Bath Masonic Lodge building fund, P.O. Box 274, Bath, ME or to the Bath VFW, P.O. Box 725, Bath, ME.
To express your thoughts and condolences with the family, please visit www.desmondfuneralhomes.com.
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