Joseph J. Yanginski

1933 - 2026

Joseph J. Yanginski

Ware, MA - Joseph J. Yanginski, 93, passed away peacefully at his home in Ware on Monday, March 30, 2026, surrounded by his devoted family. Born in Northampton, Massachusetts, on January 28, 1933, he was the beloved son of the late Joseph and Mary (Fugiela) Yanginski of School St., in Hatfield.

Joseph graduated from a Trade school in Carpentry. Following his graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he served his country honorably from 1953-1955. After concluding his military commitment, he embarked on a career as a carpenter, working for D.A Sullivan & Sons of Northampton, building a respected reputation for his craftsmanship in the trade, he then continued on to UMass, Amherst working in their carpentry department and then in the estimating department at the Physical Plant. He was part of the team that built the Southwest Towers at UMass.

It was during this period of his life that Joseph met his future wife, Barbara. Their paths crossed while she was at work, scooping ice cream, and their connection was immediate. They fell in love quickly and, in 1960, were married. Together, Joseph and Barbara built a life filled with love and raised two beautiful children in S. Deerfield, MA.

He loved helping family, friends, and neighbors with any projects in need. He loved being outdoors, cutting down trees, playing in a pitch league, and vacationing every summer in Maine.

He is survived by his son, Kurt and his wife Cindy of Deptford, NJ, his daughter, Tara Grenier and her husband Paul of Ware, his grandchildren, Aaron and Bryan Yanginski, Alexis McIntyre, and Nathan and Kyla Grenier, sister JoAnn Duguay of S. Hadley, nieces and nephews, Katy Anderson and her husband Kurt, Christopher Duguay and wife Sharon, Jay Duguay and wife April.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife Barbara (Handrich) Yanginski, who passed away March 4, 2019.

Calling hours will be Thursday April 2, 2026, from 5-7 PM at the DROZDAL FUNERAL HOME OF NORTHAMPTON, a Prayer Service will begin at 6:45PM. Funeral will be on Friday April 3, 2026, from 9 – 10 AM in the Funeral Home. Burial with Military Honors will immediately follow at the Massachusetts Veteran Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. Family and friends are invited to the Bluebonnet Diner, 324 King St, Northampton following the services at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Hatfield American Legion #344, 1 Prospect St. Hatfield, MA 01038.

For further information or to share a personal condolence with the family, please visit Drozdalfuneralhome.com.