Joseph A. Zaczynski, 61, husband of Laurel “Laurie” (Robillard) Zaczynski, and son of the late John M. Zaczynski Sr. and Nellie (Petraska) Zaczynski, died Monday, December 3, 2012, peacefully at home surrounded by family after a valiant eight year battle with metastatic colon cancer. Joe lived most of his life in Suffield, graduating from Suffield High School in 1970. He enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1970 and served six years. Joe worked at several local car dealerships in their parts department before working at the State of Connecticut DOT in 1978. He retired from that position in 2007 after 29 years. Joe loved spending time with his family and friends, at the race track, Cape Cod, New Hampshire and Dunkin Donuts.
Besides his wife Laurie, he leaves his children; Kimberly Watkins and her husband Mark of Enfield, David Zaczynski and his wife Stephanie of Windsor Locks, Brian Zaczynski and his girlfriend Caroline Coscia of Washington D.C., along with grandchildren; Anthony, Gabriella, Daniella, Isabella, Abigail and Joseph all of Enfield. Joe is also survived by a brother, John M. Zaczynski Jr., his wife Shirley and their daughter Allison of South Windsor, and a brother in law Bill Robillard of Enfield. Joe also enjoyed spending time with his special friends, Bev Forsyth, Stanley and Pat Grigitis, Cathy and Dave Patrie, Gil Ramirez, and the office “family” Neil and Debbie Witham, and his fellow retirees at breakfast. He will be greatly missed by his four legged pal Monty. The family would like to thank Joel Silver MD, and his infusion center staff, especially Joann LaDuke RN, (and friend), along with the doctors and nurses at Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston MA.
Family and friends will gather on Friday, December 7, 2012 at 11:00 am for a funeral service at Browne Memorial Funeral Chapels, 43 Shaker Rd., Enfield, CT 06082. Burial will take place following the service in the St Patrick King Street Cemetery. Joe’s family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, December 6, 2012 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm and also Friday 10:00 am prior to the service at Browne Memorial Funeral Chapels. Memorial donations may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168, Home & Community Health Services, Inc., P.O. Box 1199, Enfield, CT 06083-1199, or St Francis Foundation, Cancer Center, 95 Woodland St, Hartford, CT 06015-9720