Joseph Zablowski

Joseph Zablowski, age 93, passed away peacefully in his East Walpole, Massachusetts home on Sunday, July 24, 2016, Beloved husband of the late Pauline A. (Shugay) Zablowski, loving father of Dennis W. Zablowski and his wife Mary of Norwood, and Diane Farrell of Walpole. Cherished grandfather of Paul Zablowski of Brookline and Larissa Zablowski of Allston. Brother of the late William Smith, Francis Zablowsky, Anne Bator, Josephine Burke, and John Zablowski.

Born in Bridgewater, Massachusetts on February 8, 1923, he was the son of the late Augustus and Marcella (Antolonis) Zablowsky. He was raised in Norwood, Massachusetts and graduated from Norwood High School with the Class of 1942. In March of 1943, as World War II began to escalate, Joseph enlisted in the United States Navy to proudly serve his country. Joseph served on the PT boats in both the European Theater of Operations as well as the Asiatic Pacific Theater of Operations, seeing actions in the Invasion of Normandy and the Liberation of the Philippines. He was honorably discharged in February of 1946 as a Seaman 1st Class.

Upon his return home to Norwood from the Navy, he quickly earned a position with Bird and Son as a millwright welder, responsible for the maintenance of the machinery. He became a member of the Teamsters Union and held the position of Shop Steward for several years. Joseph retired in 1984, after 30 years of dedicated service. Joseph married his wife, Pauline A. Shugay, on June 13, 1948 in Saint George's Roman Catholic Church in South Norwood and together they made their home in Norwood. In 1958, Joseph moved his young family to their East Walpole home. He liked taking his family to his Sebago Lake cabin, where he enjoyed boating and fishing and later to his trailer at York Harbor Beach.

As a young man he had a speed boat and pilot's license and he flew out of Norwood Airport. In his later years, he still enjoyed being on the water and frequently took Pauline out in a small sail boat on New Pond in Walpole. He was a short wave radio enthusiast, carrying on conversations around the world and loved photography, always keeping up with current cameras and equipment. As a proud veteran, Joseph was a member of the Walpole VFW and being an avid hunter and fisherman, he joined the North Walpole Fish and Game Club. He was also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) in Norwood for many years.

Joseph and Pauline always kept their yard in perfect condition, he was responsible for the well-manicured lawn and Rose of Sharon shrubs while she kept the flower beds neatly groomed and flourishing. However, it was the vegetable garden that kept Joseph's attention in the spring and summer months. In the winter months he kept busy woodworking.

All services were private at the request of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701.

Arrangements by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, Walpole.