Shrewsbury – Joseph E. Zalansky, 82, a longtime Shrewsbury resident, passed away peacefully Sunday, Aug. 25, 2013 at home, with the family he loved so much gathered beside him.
Joseph “Joe” was born in Worcester, a son of John and Jadviga (Kiela) Zalanskas. He attended Worcester Boys Trade, and volunteered to serve his country during World War II. A medical condition left him ineligible. Hee still wanted to serve, so he accepted a position as a welder for the Wyman Gordon Company, forging components for military aerospace applications which were critical in supporting the war effort. He remained at WG for 47 years before retiring in 1996.
In 1956, Joe met and married the woman who became his devoted wife and life's love for the next 57 years, Joan J. Giordano. Together they began their life in Worcester before moving to Shrewsbury in 1973, where they raised their children and have lived ever since.
Joe is survived by the family he devoted his life to and who cherished him, his wife Joan; four children, Susan M. Montville and her husband Thomas of Charlton, Joseph E. Zalansky Jr. of Worcester, Paula M. Tosti and her husband Stanley of Stow, and Robert J. Zalansky of Worcester; a sister, Ruth Wheeler of Shrewsbury; six wonderful grandchildren who he adored, Sean, Rachael, Kayla, Joshua, Sarah, and Noah; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Two brothers, John and Stephen Zalansky, and two sisters, Emily Knapik and Aldona Tomkus, all predeceased him.
Joe was a member of St Anne's Church the Adelphi Council, Knights of Columbus and its Tuesday Night Cribbage League; and United Steelworkers Union.
Joe enjoyed bowling, gardening, and was an avid reader. He especially loved cribbage, playing cards, and cooking. He always sought out opportunities to spend with his family and friends and he enjoyed traveling. In life, Joe's family was his passion. Nothing made him more satisfied than spending as much time as possible with them, seeing them content, and supporting their efforts to be successful.
Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family Wednesday, Aug. 28, from 4 – 8 p.m., in the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. His funeral will be held Thursday, Aug. 29 from the funeral home, with a procession at 9:30 a.m. to St. Anne's Church, 130 Boston Turnpike Rd., Shrewsbury, where his celebration of life Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery.
Donations can be made in Joe's honor to the American Lung Association of New England, 460 Totten Pond Rd. #400, Waltham, MA 02451.
His wife and children wish to express sincere appreciation to the staff of 24 North at Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester, as well as to Sister Pat and her staff of the Jewish Visiting Nurses Association.
