Joseph Paul Paluszewski

Joseph Paul Paluszewski
Joseph Paul Paluszewski, 78, passed away at home peacefully, after a lengthy illness, on Sunday, February 2, 2025. He was the son of the late John and Rose Paluszewski, and the husband of Diane (Martancik) Paluszewski for 54 years.
Joe was predeceased by his brother, Walter and wife Mary, his brother, Edward, his sister, Barbara and her husband William Allen. He is survived by his wife, Diane, son, David, son, Paul (Michelle) and granddaughter, Maddison. Also among survivors are his brother-in-law, David Martancik and his wife Andrea.
Joe was born, raised and educated in Meriden, CT. After receiving his bachelor's degree from Central CT State College in 1968, he pursued a teaching career in mathematics and business at Orville Platt H.S. in that town. It was there that he met his future wife, Diane, and it was at Platt High School where he spent his entire teaching and administrative career.
In CT, Joe was very active in the Meriden Federation of Teachers, where he served as treasurer for many years. One of the first members of that group's scholarship program, Project Excel, Joe managed that organization's funds for many years before and after his retirement, making it one of the most successful programs of its kind in the country.
It was Cape Cod, however, that captured Joe's and Diane's hearts. Here, they built a home where they lived part-time until they moved to Eastham permanently in 2016. The family, including sons, David and Paul, enjoyed boating, golfing, beaching and running what Joe called a "BB and D (Dinner)" for friends and family.
After his retirement, Joe joined his nephew, Walt Paluszewski, and his wife, Patti, in acquiring Meriden's legendary Czapiga's deli and kielbasa making enterprise. His was the financial end of the business, while Walt and Patti tended to the sausage making and selling of the goods.
In Eastham, Joe volunteered with Nauset Neighbors, transporting the elderly and disabled to medical appointments. He was active in the Saint Vincent de Paul Society of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Orleans, MA, and with Diane, he received its "Top Hat" award.
Perhaps what Joe enjoyed most, besides being with family and friends, was following the Red Sox in person at Fenway Park in Boston or "Fenway South" in Fort Myers, FL. Then, too, he loved Saratoga Springs in the summer and Gulf Stream Park in the winter. Finally, all you had to do was to take him on a big ship, a sailboat, or a motorboat, and those famous blue eyes would light up his face as he scanned the seas. Sail away in fine weather, Joe Pal!
In lieu of flowers, you may make donations in Joe's name to Project Excel online at projectexcelmeriden.org/donate or Project Excel, 91 Stoneycrest Drive, Meriden, CT 06450.
Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 E. Main St., Meriden, CT 06450. A Mass of Christian Mass will be on Friday, February 7th, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Stanislaus Church, 82 Akron Street, Meriden, CT 06450. Everyone is asked to meet at the church. Burial will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery. For online condolences, please visit JFerryfh.com .