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Joseph Walas Obituary
East Haddam, CT - Joseph Walter Walas, Jr., 73, of East Haddam, formerly of Durham, and husband of the late Linda (Good) Walas, passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown.
Joseph was born in Northampton, Massachusetts, son of the late, Joseph "Biff" Walas and Alice (Kozlosky) Walas.
Joseph was a former member of the Army National Guard, The Lions Club International and held the esteemed position of past president of the American Scientific Glassblowers Society. Prior to his retirement Joseph worked as a Scientific Glass Blower for various companies and institutions, including UMass, Wesleyan, East Carolina University and United Technologies.
If you were lucky enough to know him, or even to have met him, you know how incredibly special he was. He was a fighter up until the very end, and he did it with bravery and dignity. He passed peacefully, surrounded by the people he cared about most. We are beyond grateful to have been there with him, surrounding him with our love and support. Although our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing that "Grandpa Fish" is already out on a boat, somewhere on the water, catching all the fish his heart desires. He was an amazing father, husband, son, brother, friend, neighbor and grandpa - he will forever be missed and never forgotten.
Left to cherish his memory are his sons, Todd Tibbetts (Anne) of Seattle, WA; Matthew Walas (Kate) of West Hartford, CT; daughters, Stephanie Lizotte (Clifford) of Glastonbury, CT; Heather Lonergan (Jason) of Higganum, CT. He is also survived by his brothers, Jeffrey Walas of Sunderland, MA; James Walas of Chestertown, NY; sisters, Diane Pickering of Shutesbury, MA; Deborah Carey of Leverett, MA; and Jennifer Cavagnac of Amherst, MA. Joseph leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication to his nine cherished grandchildren: Skylar and Sam Tibbetts, Azjah Lizotte, Kelsey, Brenna and Aubrey Lonergan, and Eleanor, Henry and Amelia Walas.
A heartfelt thanks to the incredibly supportive staff of the Middlesex Health Hospice Program. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Joe's name to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741, or the Connecticut River Conservancy, 15 Bank Row, Greenfield, MA 01301.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Walas
Jeff "gary" Guida
September 13, 2024
Matt. So sorry for your loss. I know words dont even touch what you and your family are going through. I truely believe you guys will feel your pops around you all the time..
Dev Steffen
July 1, 2024
I just saw this. Condolences to the family. Joe was great guy. Married to my best friend since 6th grade, Linda. He and I kept in touch after her passing. I'll miss his talks about food and gardening. Hugs in heaven sweet Joe.
Sally Prasch
May 9, 2024
I am so glad to have met Joe. I am a glassblower and when he was in CT we talked about glass a lot and we taught a seminar together at the American Scientific Glass Symposiums. Wonderful, kind and compassionate person!!! He will have a page in this coming Fusion (ASGS magazine). If you would like a copy, please let me know.
Nancy Walas Eckert
April 19, 2024
I love this picture of Joey. It is exactly how I remember him. Our Dads were brothers and our families spent many family events together, like kielbasa making.
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Elaine Kozlosky Raskevitz
April 19, 2024
I am so thankful he was my friend and cousin! Oh the adventures we had Lainey
Carol Rogalski
April 15, 2024
I am "little Joey's" cousin, and I have many fond memories of him growing up. He was always so sweet and nice to myself and my two brother's who were several years younger than Joey and his brother's and sister's. The house on Middle St. was a place of many family gatherings and pool parties. It was always fun to watch "Biff" and the boys horsing around at the pool. I am sorry I did not get a chance to see him before he passed, but we did reconnect of fb. May you rest in peace "little Joe".
Mark Keyser
April 11, 2024
Growing up with Joe and his family was a wonderful experience. They were all stellar people who treated me a brother and a son. God speed, Joe. You are missed.
Susie and Paul Welburn
April 11, 2024
Joe was a wonderful man. He will be missed. He will be with my dear friend Linda. We have wonderful memories.
Laurie Neudecker D’Aquila
April 10, 2024
Joe was a kind and compassionate man. He was exceptionally good to my son when he got sick with dementia. I will miss our talks. My favorites were sitting on his porch, enjoying good conversation. My heartfelt sympathy to his family, of which he was so proud of and talked about all of the time. May your cherished memories lessen your grief.
Lloyd Neudecker
April 10, 2024
We enjoyed having Joe as our neighbor across the street. We will miss him. Our condolences to Joe’s family.
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