Joseph W. Kantorski

Southbridge: Joseph W. Kantorski, 94, of Lebanon Hill Rd., passed away on Wednesday, July 17th, in the Overlook Masonic Healthcare Center, Charlton, with family by his side after a long illness.
He leaves his wife of 69 years, Marie (Malley) Kantorski; his three sons, Jeffrey Kantorski and his wife Tita of Cerritos, CA, Gregory Kantorski and his wife Yucha of Woodstock, CT and David Kantorski of Southbridge; his three daughters, Mona Flynn and her husband John of Georgetown, TX, Linda Grimshaw and her husband Jason of Leicester and Erica Bestermann and her husband William Bestermann III of Southern Pines, NC; his 12 grandchildren, Erin Kantorski, Sheena Kantorski, Patrick Kantorski, Vanessa Kantorski, Michael Kantorski, Jacqui Johnston, Christopher Flynn, Kelly Flynn, Heidi Grimshaw, Jessica Grimshaw, William Bestermann IV, Logan Bestermann and Rhett Bestermann; 9 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brother Chester Kantorski and his six sisters, Helen Roskosky, Loretta Lojewski, Agnes Przybylko, Janet Kantorski, Genevieve Kantorski and Sally Maslan.
He was born in Terryville, CT the son of John and Marion (Malecka) Kantorski. After serving in the US Air Force during the Korean War, Joseph attended UCONN where he received both his bachelor's and master's degrees in physics, graduating with High Honors.
He worked for 26 years at the American Optical Co. in Southbridge where he had many successful projects that dealt with laser development. He later worked for the Waters Corporation in Milford where he developed instruments that were used in liquid chromatography. He retired from Coherent General where he developed a laser system for cutting and drilling material used extensively in the aerospace industry. Throughout his career, Joseph was awarded several patents. Joseph was a 'jack of all trades', but especially enjoyed and excelled at woodworking and gardening. Over the years, family and friends received many of his numerous handmade projects or bounty from his garden. He was also an avid photographer, developing his own photos for family Christmas cards and décor for his home. Above all else, Joseph enjoyed spending time with his family. Whether camping locally, or on a cross-country vacation in the 1980's his family was with him. Later, he enjoyed travelling throughout the United States visiting his children and exploring National Parks.
His funeral will be held on Thursday, July 25th, from the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge with a Mass at 11:00 am in St. Mary's Church of the St. John Paul II Parish, 263 Hamilton St., Southbridge. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Southbridge. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, July 24th, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the St. John Paul II Parish Food Pantry, 279 Hamilton St, Southbridge, MA 01550.