Montague Center-Walter “Joe” J. Potyrala, Jr., 52, of Montague died Sunday 2/19/17 at the Baystate Medical Center in Springfield.  He was born in Montague on July 16, 1964, the son of Walter J. Sr, and Olive (Irwin) Potyrala, who predeceased him.   Joe attended local schools in Montague and was a graduate of the Franklin County Technical School.

Joe was employed at Deerfield Academy in the Grounds Department for 19 years.  Prior to Deerfield Academy he worked at Strathmore Paper Company as well as various Landscaping Companies.

Joe was a devoted husband. Family and friends were important to Joe. He enjoyed many years of snowmobiling with his beloved wife and friends. His other interests were dirt bikes, street bikes, four wheelers, side by sides, of course snowmobiles,  and let’s not forget Craig’s lists.  As you can see Joe had a need for speed.

Joe shared 30 years of his life with his wife Marsha (York) Potyrala, 17 years of which were married. Joe also leaves his sister, Wendy Potyrala; his father and mother-in-law, Rodney and Claire York of , Montague; his brother and sister-in-law, Brian and Nancy Stafford of Montague; two nephews, Aaron and Ethan Stafford; his great nephew, Carson; his Godson Joshua Rose; many aunts, uncles and cousins; and his beloved cat, Spooky along with many friends.

Funeral services will be private.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday 2/25 from 2-6pm at the Montague Lodge of Elks, 1 Elk Ave, Turners Falls.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Kostanski Funeral Home. Sympathy message available at www.kostanskifuneralhome.com

 Service Information