JOSEPH M SALETNIK

Joseph M. Saletnik, 77 of Ware MA, passed away unexpectedly at home December 24th, 2015.  He was a life-long resident of Ware, MA. Born on June 6th, 1938, he was a beloved son of the late Patrick and Mary Saletnik. He attended Ware Public schools, graduating high school in 1956, where he was a four-year varsity letter athlete, playing basketball and baseball. He entered the US Navy in October 1957 and was assigned to the Destroyer USS John Paul Jones. Upon discharge from the service he married his loving wife of 56 years, Dorothy M. (Healey) Saletnik on September 26th, 1959. Together and with love, family and devotion, they began their family and raised 3 children.

Joe held several positions as a machine operator and supervisor at local manufacturing plants including Ware Woolen and Ware Knitters, before retiring from Kanzaki Specialty Papers. Joe was an avid sports enthusiast having not only played but coached as well. Joe coached several youth sports teams in the town of Ware including little league basketball, little league baseball, and girls softball. He loved passing on his love of sports not only to his own children and grandchildren but also to the youth of Ware. Joe also enjoyed playing softball, football, and basketball in local men’s leagues. Throughout the years Joe also enjoyed bowling and darts. Joe loved to compete in sports at all levels. As Joe grew older he fell in love with the game of golf. He was a member of the Dunroamin Country Club for many years where he became a voice among the “Morning Mourners”. Throughout his life Joe was a former president and long-time member of the Ware Athletic Club. Like his father before him, Joe was a member of the Gabriel Narutowicz Club. Joe was also past president of the United Paper Workers Union at Kanzaki Specialty Papers. Joe was a parishioner of All Saints Church in Ware, MA.

Joe loved creating his own decorations especially around Christmas and Halloween for all to enjoy. Joe was always available to fix broken items of any sort. He loved taking things apart to see how they ticked, earning himself the name, the “MASTERMIND”.

Joe leaves his wife Dorothy M. (Healey) Saletnik; 3 children, a daughter Kim and her husband Thomas of Hardwick, a son Joseph and his wife Joanne of Ware, and a son Patrick, also of Ware; 3 grandchildren whom he dearly loved, Lance Saletnik of Hanson, MA, and Lyndsay and Shawn Gareau of Hardwick; 3 sisters Dolores Prohovich and her husband Donald of Bridgewater MA, Rosemary Robidoux of Ware, MA, Rebecca Sullivan and her husband Dennis of Ware, MA, a brother Gabriel Saletnik and his wife Jane of Ware, MA, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Joe was predeceased by his sister Patricia Childs, and a brother Michael Saletnik.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, December 30th, 2015, from 3:30 to 7 p.m. at the Charbonneau Funeral Home, 30 Pleasant Street, Ware MA. Funeral services will be held on Thursday December 31st, 2015 at 10 a.m. at All Saints Church, 17 North Street, Ware, MA. In appreciation for Joe’s life-long love of animals, donations may be made in his memory to Second Chance Animal Shelter, 111 Young Road, East Brookfield, MA 01515.