Major Stanley Hyrowski (Retired), 94, of Southern Pines passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on November 20, 2018 following a brief illness. His loving family was at his bedside throughout this time.
He was born on June 26, 1924 in Youngstown, Ohio, and joined the United States Army in May 1943. He served nine years enlisted, then finished at the top of his class in O.C.S. and spent thirteen more years in the Army as an Airborne and Special Forces Officer.
Major Hyrowski bravely defended our country as a combat infantryman in General Patton’s Third Army during World War II, was a pathfinder in Korea, and served three tours of duty in Vietnam with the 5th Special Forces Group. Among other commendations, he was awarded two bronze stars and a master parachutist badge. Upon his retirement from the Army, he pursued his bachelor’s degree in political science and graduated from North Carolina State University. He then returned to government service, where he worked for the U.S. State Department for 20 years.
When Major Hyrowski returned to Vietnam for his third tour, he was a member of the The United States Agency for International Development. Upon completion of this final tour, he split his time between working at the JFK Center in Fort Bragg and the U.S. Southern Command. He wrote and published many training manuals for the Army, most notably the Army training manual on Low Intensity Conflict. He also spent a great deal of time working in Central America while with the U.S. Southern Command before he retired from government service entirely in the 1980’s.
Mr. Hyrowski was a compassionate, strong, and humble man who dedicated his life to serving his family, his church, and his country. He was an active member of Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church, The Knights of Columbus, as well as the FirstHealth Fitness Center. Through his kind words, quick wit, sage advice, and active lifestyle, he was an inspiration to friends and strangers alike.
He is preceded in death by his soulmate & loving wife of 56 years, Evelyn Byrd Hyrowski, and by his great-grandson Alan John Hyrowski. He is survived by his five children: Edward Andy Hyrowski of South Carolina and his wife, Sandra; Michael Stanley Hyrowski of South Carolina and his wife, Janette; Thomas John Hyrowski of Maryland and his wife, Karen; Mary Theresa Hyrowski of Southern Pines; and Patricia Ann Hyrowski of Pinehurst. He was a loving grandfather of seven grandchildren: Dr. Amy Bodycott (Jason), of Virginia; MSgt. Tara Thomas (Mike), of Virginia; Cristina dePasquale of Asheville; Erika Ebright of Louisiana; John Hyrowski (Katie) of Maryland; Larkyn Hyrowski of South Carolina; and Carrie Mae Hyrowski of South Carolina. He was also blessed with five great-grandchildren: Malachi Thomas of Virginia; Darius Thomas of Virginia; Sadie Mae Hyrowski of Maryland; Annaleigh Hyrowski of Maryland; and Alexander Stergiades of Louisiana. He was the heart and soul of his family, and they will cherish memories of his love, dedication, and a life well-lived forever.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Anthony’s We Care and The Knight’s of Columbus.
The family will be receiving visitors at Boles Funeral Home in Southern Pines on Tuesday, November 27, 2018 from 6:00-8:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at 2:00 PM at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Southern Pines. Burial with full military honors will follow the mass at St. Anthony’s Catholic Cemetery.
Services entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.
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