Obituary of Joseph John Polaski

Joseph John Polaski, age 90, of Clinton, NJ died peacefully at home on December 18, 2020 with his loving wife Shirley close by.

Joe was born and raised in Duryea, PA to his late parents Catherine and John. Upon graduating High School, Joe enlisted in the United States Navy, serving on the USS Bordelon DD-881 during the Korean conflict. After 4 years of service, he returned to Duryea where he met his future wife Shirley. Married in 1956, they relocated to South Plainfield, NJ to start their new life together.

Joe would go onto a career with PSE&G. After 34 years and numerous positions in dedicated service he would retire at age 59. He and Shirley later moved to Clinton, NJ where they joined the St. Catherine of Siena Church community. Joe proudly trained and served as Eucharistic Minister for the growing church. He also pursued his interest in wood carving, becoming an active member in the Hunterdon County Senior Center Wood Carvers group. Many of his carvings adorn the family homes with his talents culminating in a collaborative effort in creating the 14 Stations of the Cross now present in St. Catherine of Siena Church.

Joe was a loving and dedicated Husband, Father, Coach, and Granddaddy. He is survived by his loving wife Shirley of 64 years. Three sons: Joseph and wife Laurene of Stanardsville, VA, Christopher and wife Linda of Hillsborough, and Alexander and wife Kristen of Clinton. Grandchildren: Kati, Michael, Andrea, Christopher, and Steven. Sisters: Eleanor O'Dell of Duryea,PA and Claire and husband Floyd Zajaczkowski of Scranton, PA, Brother-in-law: Rev. Msgr. Alexander T. Kulik of Scranton, PA.

Joe is pre-deceased by his parents and sister Marcella of Duryea, PA.

A Mass of Christian burial will be on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at St. Catherine of Siena Church, Pittstown, NJ. Interment will follow at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Annandale, NJ.

Out of respect for current health concerns, the private mass and interment services will be limited to immediate family only. The family would like to extend their thanks and gratitude to the many friends for all their love and support during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers and other spiritual bouquets, memorial donations in Joseph's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital at www.stjude.org/donate.