Worcester_ Joseph F. “Joe Banks” Baniukiewicz, 86, of Worcester, died Saturday, April 30, at the Christopher House of Worcester.
His wife of 51 years, Jennie T. (Brodzik) Baniukiewicz, died in 1990. He leaves three children, Deacon Joseph M. Baniukiewicz of Worcester, Robert M. Baniukiewicz and his wife Mary-Jo of Holden, and Janice M. Stickles and her husband Dean of Sandwich; five grandchildren, Mindy A. Dulude of Leicester, Robert M. of Grafton, Richard M. of Lakeland, FL, Elizabeth M. of Leicester, and Matthew J. Baniukiewicz of Holden; five great grandchildren, Richard, Robert, Steven, and Julie of Leicester, and Ryan of Lakeland, FL; a brother, Theodore R. Baniukiewicz. A grandson, Joseph M. Jr. died in 2003. Two brothers, Eugene and Stanley, and a sister, Theresa Darrah, predeceased him.
He was born in Worcester, son of the late Mieczyslaw and Stanislawa (Wlodkowska) Baniukiewicz. He was a graduate of St. Mary’s School and Commerce High School, both in Worcester.
Mr. Baniukiewicz worked at Millbury High Carbon Wire Company until his retirement in 1972. He was also employed at the former Johnson Steel & Wire Company in Worcester.
He was recording secretary for many years at the Polish Naturalization Independent Club of Worcester, where he also served as acting president and where he organized dances for several years. He was a bartender at the former Charles Restaurant on Millbury Street and the Tower House, both in Worcester. He was a member of the Polish Naturalization Alliance Club in Worcester and Millbury, the Greendale Retired Mens Club, the United Steelworkers of America, Local 3426, and Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish. He was an associate member of the Polish American Veterans of World War II. He was also a funeral assistant for several years at Henry Funeral Home.
The funeral will be held Wednesday, May 4, from HENRY-DIRSA FUNERAL HOME, 33 Ward St., with a Mass at 10 a.m. in Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant St. Burial will be in Notre Dame Cemetery. Calling hours are from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 3, in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to UMass-Memorial Foundation, Hospice Program, P.O. Box 2795, Worcester, MA 001613-9938.