Joseph Julian Jachym

MERIDEN - Joseph Julian Jachym, 82, of Meriden, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015 at Hartford Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was the devoted husband of Lila (Rakiecki) Jachym. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in August.

Born Oct. 21, 1933 in Gorki, Poland, he was the son of the late Wladyslaw and Bronislawa (Arabasz) Jachym. Joseph possessed musical talent, taking after his father. Joseph's favorite instruments became the organ and accordion. He loved to share his talent. Joseph would become organist at Sacred Heart Church in his hometown.

Joseph came to the United States in 1963, sponsored by his grandparents, John and Anna Arabasz. He first settled in Rockfall. His first employer was Rogers Manufacturing of Rockfall, where he was employed for 20 years. Joseph then became head custodian for St. Stanislaus Parish, where he was responsible for maintenance of the church and school buildings. He took great pride in his work. Joseph shared his musical talent as organist, accompanying during Polish masses as well as funerals and weddings, for over 21 years. After his retirement from the school, he continued to be active by assisting at Stempien Funeral Home until 2015. Joseph enjoyed cooking his Polish specialties for his grandchildren, or just spending time with them.

In addition to his wife, Lila, Joseph leaves his loving daughters, Diana and husband, Robert, Kristina, JoAnna, Lilia, and Sherri, all of Meriden; and his pride and joy, his grandchildren, Veronica and Allison, Jacob and Andrew, Ashley, Roberts, and Nikolas. Joseph leaves behind a brother, Tadeusz and his wife, Czeslawa, and their family, of Meriden; a sister, Genowefa Adamczyk, of Gorki, Poland; and his nephew, Wesiek Adamczyk and his wife, Elvira, of Chicopee, Mass., and their family. His extended family includes many nieces, nephews, and cousins in the U.S. and Poland. He was predeceased by his sister, Zofia Borowiec; and brother-in-law, Stanislaw Adamczyk.

The funeral for Joseph will be held on Friday, Dec. 18, at 9:15 a.m. from the Stempien Funeral Home, 450 Broad St., Meriden, to St. Stanislaus Church for a Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Stanislaus Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, Dec. 17 from 5 to 8 p.m. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.stempienfuneralhome.com.