Joseph J. Zabko

Joseph J. Zabko, 101, a resident of RegalCare in Greenfield, formerly of 7 Keith Street, Turners Falls passed away Sunday 8/6/23.  He was born in Northfield on February 4, 1922, to John and Malvina (Liskiewicz) Zabko.  Joe was the sixth youngest of twelve children attending The Pine Street School in Northfield with his brothers and sisters who all grew up on the family dairy farm, now Four Star Farms in Northfield.  One of his favorite stories to tell was during The Flood of 1936, when the Connecticut river met their property, and the cows took refuge on their front porch.  Even in his 100th year, he still enjoyed riding in the car past the old homestead to see what crops it’s new owners were growing.   

In 1942, Joe joined the United States Navy, spending most of his time in the South Pacific aboard the LC1 441  (Landing Craft Infantry), achieving the rank of Quartermaster 2nd Class.  In 1945, while on 30 day leave, Joe married his longtime sweetheart, Victoria Krol.  

After his discharge from the Navy, Joe worked for the former LA Kohler Company as an appliance service man.  In his young years, he was employed at the Millers Falls Tool Company.  

Joe loved the outdoors, including hunting in Pennsylvania, Vermont and Canada; fishing and gardening, including his famous pickles.   

He was a communicant of Our Lady of Czestochowa Church in Turners Falls and member of Saint Stanislaus Society.  

Joe took every opportunity to find small joys in everything he did, and every social interaction he had.  During his time in the nursing home he was the oldest, yet one of the wittiest resident.  Everyone knew his name. 

Among his survivors, Joe leaves two sons, Peter Zabko and his wife Joanne of Leverett and Paul Zabko and his wife Michelle of Carmel, NY; five grandchildren, Jason Zabko and his wife Nicole of Hadley, CW5 Jeremie Zabko and his wife Angela of Hawaii, Jesse Zabko and his wife Alison of Turners Falls, and Shannon and her fiancée Justin Righter, and Aaron Zabko, all of Pennsylvania; 3 great grandchildren, Hailey, Hunter and Brandon; and many loving nieces and nephews.   

Besides his beloved wife, Victoria, Joe was predeceased by his seven brothers and four sisters.  

Funeral services will be held Monday 8/14 at 9:15am from the Kostanski Funeral Home, 220 Federal Street, Greenfield followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10am at Our Lady of Peace Church, 90 Seventh Street, Turners Falls.  Burial will follow at Our Lady of Czestochowa Cemetery in Turners Falls. 

There will be no calling hours.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Regalcare, Recreation Fund, 95 Laurel Street, Greenfield, MA 01301 or to New England Hospice, 190 Old Derby Street, Suite 304, Hingham, MA 02043. 

For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.  

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