WEBSTER – Joseph T. Sterczala, 100, died Thursday, September 25, 2025 at home after a period of declining health. His wife of 54 years, Bertha M. (Petka) Sterczala, died in 2008.
He leaves a daughter, Diane M. Cowes of Shrewsbury; a son, Joseph R. Sterczala and his wife Jeannine of Methuen; and a granddaughter, Tiffany E. Cowes of West Boylston. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Kendall Cowes, by his brother Chester Sterczala and by his two sisters, Irene Cournoyer and Theresa Bishop.
He was born at home on Nelson Street in Webster on February 14, 1925, the first child of Thomas J. and Michalina (Tokarz) Sterczala and lived here all his life. He attended Bartlett High School.
He was an Army Veteran of World War II, serving in the Rhineland.
Mr. Sterczala was an electrician. He worked at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester and then at Westboro State Hospital, retiring as the supervisor of the maintenance department in 1990.
He was a member of Saint Joseph Basilica. He was a man of many talents: he built his own home and maintained his property, paying special attention to the outdoors and his flower beds. He was a devoted fan of the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots.
Private graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family, with military honors provided by the Webster-Dudley Veterans Council. There are no calling hours. Arrangements are under the direction of Scanlon Funeral Service, 38 East Main Street.