Joseph F. Zahner Sr.

Joseph F. Zahner Sr., age 71, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 4, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Norwood, Massachusetts on September 6, 1952, he was the son of the late Christian and Irene (Costello) Zahner. 

Beloved husband of the late Deborah Shufelt Zahner.

Loving father of Joseph F. Zahner Jr. and his wife, Lea Anne, and Bobby A. Zahner, all of Wrentham. Cherished grandfather of Joseph F. Zahner III and William F. Zahner.

Twin Brother of John Zahner and his wife, Debra, of Plainville, Judy Mitchell and her spouse Steve, of Wrentham, Dianne Labadie and her late husband, Mark, of Tom’s Brook, Virginia, Heidi Zahner of Franklin, Heather Tenaglia and her husband, Chris, of Wrentham, Jeff Zahner and his wife, Kaile, of Barrington, New Hampshire, the late Christian Zahner, III and his surviving wife, Susan, of Easton, and the late Paul Zahner and his surviving wife, Linda, of Mansfield.

He is survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Joe grew up in Walpole and Franklin, graduating from Franklin High School in 1970. Joe married the love of his life and truly his other half, Deborah Shufelt, on September 7, 1985, in the Epiphany Episcopal Church in Walpole, Massachusetts. Joe and Debbie made their home in Wrentham, where they welcomed and raised two sons, Joe, Jr. and Bobby. 

All who knew Joe, knew the love he and Debbie shared was incredibly special. Knowing that Joe is now back home with Debbie, brings comfort to family and friends in his time of passing. 

His professional career started as a truck driver carrying on his father’s legacy at S.M Lorusso and Sons with his brothers, uncles and cousins. He went on to pursue the role of general manager of his father-in-law’s company, Dick Shufelt Septic Maintenance out of Walpole which became his career. He worked closely with his family and friends, and believed in strong work ethics to provide for his family.

Some of Joe’s hobbies included camping, fishing, playing and listening to music, watching Nascar, and coaching. Joe was a great mentor to all. He was a man of great pride and passion for his family and close friends.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Joe's visitation on Thursday, August 8th, 2024, from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

A Funeral Service will be held in Epiphany Episcopal Church, 62 Front Street, Walpole on Friday, August 9th, 2024, at 10:00 am. Interment will follow in Knollwood Memorial Park in Canton.