Joseph M. Utka, 85, of West Bridgewater, died on April 25, 2016, after a brief illness. Born in Nashua, N.H., son of the late Anthony and Anna (Kupchunas) Utka, he was a graduate of Nashua High School. He received his bachelors degree from Saint Anselm College and his masters and Doctorate of Education degrees from Boston College. Joseph began teaching in Brockton, but spent the majority of his career in the Newton public school system. He enjoyed gardening and reading. A devout Catholic, he was a long time parishioner of St. Anns Church in West Bridgewater. Joseph is survived by his wife of 57 years, Margaret (Giovanoni) Utka; his daughters, Margaret-Mary Williams (and her husband Andrew) and Sarah Utka; grandson, Benjamin Williams; and his twin sister, Florence Stanley of Hudson, N.H. He was predeceased by his sisters, Sr. Antonilla, S.S.C., Agnes, Josephine and Sophie. All are welcome to calling hours Thursday 4-7 p.m. in Waitt Funeral Chapel at Waitt Funeral Home, 850 North Main St., Brockton. Funeral from Waitt Funeral Home Friday at 10 a.m., funeral Mass at 11 a.m. in St. Anns Church, West Bridgewater, and burial at Pine Hill Cemetery, West Bridgewater. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Friends of the Unborn, P.O. Box 692246, Quincy, MA 02269-2246. Visit www.waittfuneralhome.com or call 508-583-7272.

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Published by The Enterprise on Apr. 27, 2016.

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Linda Hicks

August 23, 2017

Joe was my principal one summer at Bigelow in Newton. He needed someone to do arts and crafts with students seeking makeup work in math and other subjects. Whatever I requested in materials for the diverse group of students, he found for me. He even let my young sons come to work with me to help me in the classroom. What a wise, clever, resourceful man. It sounds as if he was a very gifted teacher as well with a supportive wife...I loved Madeline Freed's story about the marble parties!

Madeline Freed

July 6, 2016

Mr. Utka was my 2nd grade teacher at Memorial Spaulding, in 1990. I remember he used to keep an empty glass jar in the classroom, and every time the class (or individual students) reached or surpassed the goals and lessons he presented us with every day, he would put a shiny glass marble in it. And when the jar was full, we would have "Marble Parties" and for the last half or so of the next school day we would all hang out, and have fun and celebrate, and eat homemade chocolate chip cookies his wife would bake for us. Mr. Utka was the first teacher who tapped into my talent as a writer, and storyteller. He's also the reason I know how to write in perfect cursive. He taught me how to be methodical, accurate, creative and BRAVE. I am 33 years old now, with children of my own, and the lessons he taught me I will pass down to them. This wonderful man changed my life, and the memories of him will stay with me forever. God bless him, and all his beloved descendants. Love, Madeline Freed

Ray Mack

May 20, 2016

I met Joe at the YMCA a few years ago and we became friends( as he did with anyone he met) He would always begin with the greeting:" I've got one for you" and then he would tell you one of his many funny yet very clean jokes. He brought joy to me and anyone he met.I will miss him very much. He made a difference in so many lives

ellen magoon

May 2, 2016

will miss his visits to the post office always had a corny joke to share and reminded me to keep smiling!! RIP

April 30, 2016

I am so upset with myself for NOT looking over the obits for this week. I would have liked to have expressed my deepest sympathy in person and not via this message board.

I will miss my many encounters with Joe around West Bridgewater - the bank, the transfer station, CVS, etc. Each meeting was always started off with, ""Did you hear the one about. . ."

Please accept my sincerest condolences - Joe was a class act!

joe Kennedy, formerly of St. Ann's

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Calling hours

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

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850 North Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301

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Funeral

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850 North Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301

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West Bridgewater, MA

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