Joseph P. Ivaska

Joseph P. Ivaska, 92, formerly of 20 Palisades St., died Saturday, December 8, in Dodge Park Rest Home, 101 Randolph Rd. His wife of 63 years, Antoinette (Navolski) Ivaska, died in 2004.

He leaves a son, Paul Ivaska and his wife Lynn Buckley of Newbury; two daughters: JoAnne Jacobson of Millbury and Donna Dinardo and her husband Michael of Worcester; a sister, Adele Degutis of Worcester; four grandchildren: Alanna Jacobson of Florida, Liz Miner of Millbury, Craig Dinardo of Boston and Alyssa Dinardo of Worcester; 3 great-grandchildren: Lacey and Lauren Miner of Millbury and Elena Candelaria of Worcester; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers: Francis and Witold Ivaska. He was born in Worcester, a son of Peter and Mary (Sakalauskas) Zwaska and lived here all his life.

Mr. Ivaska was a Worcester Firefighter 35 years, retiring in 1975. His last assignment was on Engine 7 at the former Eastern Ave Station. He was also a glazer employed by National Glass Co., and after his retirement delivered flowers for Flowerland Florists. Joseph was a member of St. Casimir Church, the church choir and parish council. He was an officer and member of the St. Casimir Mens Club and Knights of Lithuania, Council 26. He also belonged to the Lithuanian Charitable Society. Joseph was once a sexton at St. Casimir Church and School. He was a member of the Massachusetts Retired Police and Firefighters Association and the Greendale Retired Mens Club and Choral Group. He also sang with St. Paul's Cathedral Choir and the Worcester Firefighters Choir.

The funeral will be held on Thursday, December 13, from DIRSA-MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 298 Grafton St., with a Mass at 10:00 a.m in St. Casimir Church, 41 Providence St. Burial will be in Notre Dame Cemetery. Calling hours in the funeral home are Wednesday, December 12, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Members of Knights of Lithuania will gather at 5:30 p.m to perform their ritual. Memorial contributions may be made to UMass Memorial Hospice, P.O. Box 2795, Worcester, MA 01613 or to Dodge Park Rest Home, 101 Randolph Rd., Worcester, MA 01606.

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