Joseph A Starkus

Joseph A. Starkus, at the special age of 101, formerly of Boylston passed away peacefully Saturday August 30th 2014 in the Notre Dame Long Term Care facility with the family he loved so much gathered by his bedside. Joseph was born on February 5, 1913 at home in Worcester, the last of six children of the late Charles and Matilda (Nicknus) Starkus. Five years later in 1918, Joseph moved with his family to North Oxford, where he resided until he entered the U.S. Army prior to World War II in 1931. Joseph was stationed in Panama for the next three years. After discharge from the Army, Joe accepted a position with the Johnson Steel & Wire Company in Worcester retiring over 40 years later in 1976. In 1938, Joseph met and married Hilda Savinsky. Together they moved to Boylston where they resided happily married devoted to each other for the next 73 years until Hilda passed away in October of 2011. The next 3 years was spent at the Notre Dame du lac assisted living and Long Term Care facility. Joseph is survived by his cherished family; two sons, Edward Starkus and his wife Mary Ann of Holden, James Starkus and his wife Dianne of Murrieta, California; three daughters, Geraldine Zecco and her husband Francis Zecco, Sr. of Holden, Joyce L'Heureux of Valencia, California and Charlotte DelFem of Worcester; nine grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren; a great great grandson; Many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. A grandson, Kevin Zecco, three brothers, Charles, Albert and Daniel Starkus and two sisters, Tillie Witkiecz and Anna Pelican all pre deceased him. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and neighbors. Joe; a longtime Boylston resident was a founding member of St Mary of the Hills Church and a charter member of the Worcester Lithuanian Club. The Town of Boylston selectman honored Joseph as the oldest resident of Boylston with a special presentation of the Town's Boston Post Cane with his wife Hilda and family present for this special occasion. The cane, a remnant of the program started many years ago by the Boston Post newspaper, is awarded to the eldest living town resident. The Starkus family was especially proud to celebrate with their father his achievements. Joe's favorite times were those spent in his vegetable garden and working with his fruit trees. Many joyful memories were also spent with family at his summer home in Misquamicutt, R.I. Friends and relatives are invited to a period of calling hours, Thursday, September 4th from 9:00 am to 10:00 am in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. followed by a procession to Notre Dame Du Lac Chapel, 555 Plantation St. where his funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery in his beloved town of Boylston. In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances can be made to the Wachusett Greenways, P.O.Box 121, Holden Mass 01520. Joseph's family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Staff of the Notre Dame Assisted Living and Long Term Care Facility Harmony Wing for their loving care and compassion.