Joseph H. Raczka

Joseph H. Raczka, 68, of Warren passed away peacefully at home on July 19th with his family by his side. It is difficult to have him leave us, but we know he is at peace after a 7 year journey with Alzheimer's. There is no cure, so we are thankful for God's grace and mercy. Joe is now fully restored in heaven.He was the son of Matthew and Ruth (West) Raczka and was raised in Palmer. He married Diane Dubosh in 1979 and they moved to Warren where they spent many happy years together. Joe was a dedicated son, husband, father, grandfather and brother. He took so much pride in his career as a truck driver and enjoyed providing for his family. Over the years he worked for several trucking companies, including Construction Service, Consolidated Freightways, and Yellow, but his favorite was at Palmer Paving. Joe was meticulous in maintaining any vehicle or "toy" that he owned. He enjoyed riding his 1981 Honda motorcycle, many snowmobiles and even his riding lawnmower. Joe had a quick wit and could be very funny! On his softer side he loved his cats, Rudy and Luey.He will be missed by his family; wife of 45 years, Diane, daughters Kim Raczka and her partner Alyx, Liz Raczka and her partner Kev and Suzanne Raczka, grandsons Theo, Max and Orion, sisters Fran and her husband Tony and Margaret and her husband David and their sons Jon and Joe. Death is a comma, not a period.Services will be held at the Beers and Story Palmer Funeral Home on Thursday, July 24 from 5-7pm. Private burial for the family will be held on Friday at Pine Grove Cemetery in Warren.Joe always hated dressing up, so please come as you are; no suits needed. Joe would like that. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Town of Palmer c/o Veteran Services, Veterans Gift Fund, 4417 Main St. Palmer, MA 01069, In memory of Joe's father Mathew and his Uncle John, both veterans of WW II, or Here Today, Adopted Tomorrow PO Box 557, Brimfield, MA 01010, In memory of Rudy.