“Kazimier Z (Ski) John Szczepanski, 93, of The Highlands, passed away Saturday peacefully with his family by his side March 21, 2015. He was born in Trenton, New Jersey on February 25, 1922 a son of Adam Szczespanski and Katherine Rogowoki. He attended Trenton schools and earned his GED.

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 U.S.S. 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 & 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 great grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday March 27, 2015 from 4-6 at David E Desmond & Son Funeral Home 638 High Street Bath with a Mass of Christian burial to take place on Saturday at 10am at All Saints Parish, St. Mary’s Catholic Church 144 Lincoln Street, 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, Maine or to the Bath VFW P.O. Box 725 Bath, Maine.”