Joseph J. Joe Platek's Obituary
Methuen, MA ? Joseph J. ?Joe? Platek, 89, died Tuesday October 13, 2009 at Caritas Holy Family Hospital.
Born in Lawrence the son of John and Sophie (Bujak) Platek he graduated from the Tarbox grammar and in 1937 graduated from Lawrence High School.
Mr. Platek was a former communicant of Holy Trinity Church prior to its closing and is an attendant of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish.
For 35 years he was employed with the Traffic Division with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts before his retirement.
During World War II Joe served his country in the United States Army. He was a rifle sharpshooter, and was involved in battles in Rhineland and Centeral Europe. Upon wars end Joseph was the recipient of the European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon, the American Theater Campaign Ribbon, and the Victory Medal prior to being honorably discharged at wars end.
Mr. Platek belonged to the Lawrence Lodge of Elks B.P.O.E. #65, the Arlington Social and Athletic Club, the British Club, was involved in the greater Lawrence Softball League, was a member of the Panthers a semipro football team in this area, and from 1955-1965 coached No. Lawrence Jr. League Baseball.
A longtime resident of Methuen Joseph is survived by his wife of 53 yrs. Madelyn G. (Zambino) Platek, one daughter Cheryl Ann Platek of Methuen, sisters Adele Moll , Theresa Fox, and Jean Zambino and her husband Rocky all of Methuen, and several nieces and nephews.
Joe was predeceased by his sister Stella Sapronis.
A Mass of Christian burial will take place on Friday morning at 11 o?clock in Our Lady of Good Counsel/Saint Theresa Church 22 Plymouth Street in Methuen.
Mr. Platek?s family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday from 4-7 P.M. at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, Inc. 233 Lawrence Street of Methuen with burial to follow in Bellevue Cemetery Lawrence.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Association of Marian Helpers c/o Fr. Jopseph , MIC P.O. Box 716 Stockbridge, MA 01262
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