Joseph M. Dluznieski, age 87, a former longtime resident of Wilmington passed peacefully with his family by his side on February 10th, following a short period of declining health. He was the beloved husband of the late Geraldine (Wessels) and together they shared fifty years of marriage prior to her death in 1997. Born in Billerica he was the son of the late Antone and Aida (Krupski) Dluznieski.
Joe was raised in Watertown where he attended St. Patrick’s School. Joe was a proud Marine Corp Veteran of WWII. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in January of 1942 and faithfully and honorably served until January of 1946. While in the service Joe saw heavy action at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands and Cape Gloucester, New Britain. Upon his release from active duty, Joe returned home and soon married his beloved wife Geraldine. The young couple settled in Tewksbury and eventually moved their family to Wilmington. Joe was always a hard worker and a very gifted machinist. In 1983 he co-founded D & E Screw Machine Products, Inc., which was located on Andover St. in Wilmington. After a successful 23 year run Joe moved with his family to Columbia, NH and relocated the business to Colebrook, NH where he continued working until 2008 and was forced to retire due to his health. Joe had a wonderful personality, always upbeat, making people laugh, and always willing to show off his Marine Corp tattoo. He will be greatly missed.
Prior to his wife's passing, together they enjoyed polka music and dancing and would often attend different polka festivals over the years. For many years Joe and his family enjoyed spending the weekends and summer vacations at their camp in Tamworth, NH. Joe loved the outdoors and enjoyed trout fishing, gardening, but most of all he enjoyed taking in the fresh air and warm sun. He was also an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox. In his retirement he could always be found tinkering and riding around the family farm with Bronson, the family Black Lab, always at his side. Family meant everything to Joe and he was so proud of his children and most proud of his grandchildren and great grandchildren and took great pride in being involved in their lives.
Joe is survived by his loving and devoted daughters, Leslie Eldridge and her husband Danny of Columbia, NH, and Laurie Pennell and her husband Roger of Worthington, MA. He was the loving grandfather of Robert and Jaclyn Eldridge, Gary and Jonathan Pennell. He is also survived by his cherished great grandchildren, Dylan and Lindsey Eldridge, Gwendolyn, Ione, Tessie and Sophie Pennell.
Funeral Services will be held from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 374 Main St., Wilmington, Saturday, February 18th, at 10 a.m. followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave, Wilmington, at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Calling hours at the Dello Russo Funeral Home will be held on Friday, February 17th, from 4 thru 8 p.m. Services will conclude with military honors and burial at Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington.