John R. Lankarge

John R. Lankarge, 82, of Old Sunderland Rd. passed away Wednesday March 20, 2024 at Baystate Franklin Medical Center. He was born in Greenfield November 11, 1941, the son of Frank Lankarge and Mary (Kuzdeba) Lankarge. John attended local schools in Deerfield and graduated from Frontier Regional High School in 1959. 
John enlisted in the US Army serving his country from November 30, 1959, until being honorably discharged on October 31, 1965. He received the Good Conduct Medal. Following his service in the Army, he was employed for many years at Pro Corporation in Florence. In recent years he worked for Mayhew Steel Products in Turners Falls, and J B Transportation in South Deerfield. 
John enjoyed spending the summers camping and fishing in Arlington Vt. He devoted extra time to his four-legged companions and traveled throughout the area with his trained therapy dog Lilly. He enjoyed his time volunteering for the Ja’Duke Center for the Performing Arts where Lilly participated in their annual Christmas shows. Later in life he enjoyed the friendships he made working with special needs individuals. Earlier in life, he volunteered for the Whately boy scouts and youth basketball. 
John leaves his partner Pat Stachelek, son Mark Lankarge, daughter Loren (Lankarge) Gagner and her husband James Gagner, grandchildren Claire Gagner and Austin Gagner, previous wife Ann (Hutkoski) Lankarge, brother Bill Lankarge, sister Joanne (Lankarge) Comisarek, and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents and brother Frank J. Lankarge. 
Services will be private at the convenience of John’s family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (mspca.org).
Arrangements are under the direction of Kostanski Funeral Home.
For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com    
 

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