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BORN
1918
DIED
2013
Joseph Czeropowicz Obituary
Joe was born Aug. 26, 1918, in Northampton, a son of the late Mary (Cysz) and Wladyslaw Czerapowicz.
He was educated in Northampton schools, while working his family's farm.
Upon graduation he entered the Army. He was a veteran of World War II serving in the 7th Field Artillery in the European theater. During his eight years of service he received numerous medals and commendations while reaching the rank of first lieutenant. After discharge he continued to be active in the 7th Field Artillery Association where he received the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara.
A man of many talents, Joe worked in several professions including knitter for the Northampton Hosiery, service station owner and lobster broker. He was a decorated police officer for the city of Medford and a longtime security officer for the V.A. Medical Center in Leeds, from which he retired in 1983.
He was a founding member of the Young at Heart Chorus, his specialty being their Elvis impersonator. In his 1970s and 1980s, Joe was active in the St. John's Episcopal Church and spent many hours collecting, preparing and delivering flowers to sick parishioners. His hobbies were watching the Red Sox, the Patriots and golf (especially when Tiger Woods was in the field), and completing crossword puzzles.
Joe is survived by his brother Myron of New York; his sisters Eva Pope and Carol Czerapowicz, both of Northampton; his daughter Sally DeFilippo of New Hampshire; three step-children; several nieces and nephews; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; along with extended family.
Four months prior to his death, Joe lost his dear wife Rose Griffin to cancer which affected him deeply. He was also predeceased by his previous wife Avis, his brothers Stephen, Chester and Edward, his sister Helen Pressler and his beloved son Joseph "Jay" of Wayland.
Joe's family wishes to sincerely thank the staff at the Holyoke Soldier's Home for the tremendous care and respect shown to him. They truly live their motto "Care with Honor and Dignity." The family would also like to say thank you to the Center for Extended Care in Amherst.
To all who knew him, Joe was the embodiment of patience, gentleness and kind-heartedness. He always put others' needs before his own and treated everyone with respect. Ever the gentleman, who never wanted a "fuss" made over him, Joe has requested there be no services. He has generously donated his body to Tufts Medical School.
Those wishing, may make a contribution in Joe's memory to The Friends of the Soldier's Home in Holyoke, 110 Cherry St., Holyoke, MA 01040.
To sign a Guest Book, express condolences, share memories and read other obituaries, go to www.gazettenet.com/obituaries.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Czeropowicz
3 Entries
June 23, 2013
Members of the extended Squires family offer our condolences to Joe's relatives. Joe was a delightful presence in our lives as a friend, companion and escort to Ted and Ginie for many years. When the two elder Squires could no longer drive, Joe drove and accompanied them to church, family gatherings, Boston outings, as well as weddings, anniversary parties and baptisms both in New England and in the South. He was also a care taker of souls, both to the Squires and St. John's parish family, visiting those who could no longer attend church services and activities. He was one of the founding members of St. John's Flower Children, a quiet and important ministry which grew over the years, thanks to a devoted ban of volunteers like Joe. He was always a cheerleader and extra hand where needed. His friendship was a true gift to our family.
--The Daughters of Ted and Ginie Squires
May 23, 2013
I always knew when Joe was at St. John's when he strode into the parlors, whistling happy tunes and thumping a huge t-square he used to measure pieces of wallpaper he used to wrap around coffee cans for his Flower Children duties there. I thought abut him a couple of months ago and wondered if he was still in the greater Northampton area. He will be sorely missed, but his work on Earth is done. May he rest in peace in the arms of God always.
Katherine Morin
May 22, 2013
Joe was a huge presence here at St. John's when I first came here in 1988. He was such a sweetheart and I have often thought of him over the years, and enjoyed waving to him as he rode his bike along his street. He has been missed here but we are all better people for having known him.
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