Joseph Edward Zaczynski Jr.

1954 - 2023

Joseph Edward Zaczynski Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to so many, unexpectedly and tragically passed on March 4, 2023.

"Junior" - as he was affectionately known - was born to parents Joseph E. Sr. and Statia Zaczynski of Suffield, on Jan. 31, 1954. He proudly served as a U.S. Marine, and later as an Officer for the Connecticut State Department of Correction, retiring in 2016 after a career that spanned over 20 years. Everyone will remember Joe as a truly selfless and devoted family member, friend, and Bruins hockey fan. He was an avid tinkerer around the house, and he deeply enjoyed spending time with his granddaughter.

He is survived by wife Christine; daughter Erin; and granddaughter Tessa Zaczynski of Agawam, Massachusetts; son Ryan and wife, Suzy Zaczynski of Hoboken, New Jersey; sister Barbara and husband, Edward Czelazewicz of Enfield; sister Dianne and husband, Walter Wosko of Suffield; brother Steven and wife, Terri Zaczynski of Suffield; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was predeceased by parents Joseph E. Sr. and Statia Zaczynski of Suffield.

A Go Fund Me fundraiser has been established for the continued support of Joe's wife, daughter, and granddaughter whom he cared for so dearly. A portion of the fundraiser's proceeds will be used to establish a memorial fund in support of causes dedicated to mental health and suicide prevention for military veterans and members of the law enforcement community. The fundraiser with details for those interested in contributing can be found here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/joseph-e-zaczynski-jr-family-memorial-fund

Family and friends are invited for a morning gathering on Thursday, March 16, 2023, from 8 to 10 a.m., at Colonial Forastiere Funeral Home, 985 Main St., Agawam, followed by a funeral service at the same location beginning 10 a.m. Immediately following the funeral services a military burial will be held at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam at 11 a.m. A post services reception will be held at the Westfield American Legion at 38 Broad St., Westfield, MA, beginning at 4 p.m., for anyone wanting to spend a bit more time remembering all of the joy Joe brought into this world for everyone he knew and loved. Any outreach can be directed to rjzaczynski@gmail.com.