Profile Image
Joseph J. Wilk Jr. Veteran
March 04, 2016

Obituary

Joseph J. Wilk Jr., age 75, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2016 at the Holyoke Soldiers Home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Dec. 21, 1940 in Chicopee. He was a son of the late Joseph J. Wilk Sr and Helen (Grzyok) Wilk. He was a communicant of St Rose de Lima Parish. He served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War. Joseph was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #4044 and also the Polish Home in Chicopee. Joseph had a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice. He was appointed a reserve patrolman in July of 1965 and full time in August 1968. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1974, Detective Lieutenant 1977, and Captain in 1981. Twice he had the honor and privilege of being selected as acting Chief, in 1982 and 1990, leading the department with honor and integrity. In 1992 he had his proudest moment when he was able to pin his son's badge on him upon completion of the Western Mass Police Training Academy. He returned to the position of Senior Captain in 1995, retiring in 1997. He leaves his loving wife of 49 years, Brenda (Lawrence) Wilk of Chicopee; his son Michael Wilk and his fiance Jessica Carroll of Chicopee; his sister Sandra Sweet of Palmer; 3 grandchildren, Tyler, Ashley and Jacob. He also leaves his sister-in-laws Betty and her husband Lionel LaBelle, Barbara and Martin Boucher, and Elizabeth Wilk along with his nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother William Wilk who passed away on Nov. 18th, 2015. Calling hours will be held on Friday, Mar. 11, 2016 from 4-8 p.m., at the Grise Funeral Home, 280 Springfield St, Chicopee. A Funeral Service will be held on Sat. Mar., 12, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. At the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St Rose de Lima Church at 10:30 a.m. Followed by burial in St Rose de Lima Cemetery. For online condolences, please visit www.GriseFH.com.

Content is coming soon...
Grisé Funeral Home
280 Springfield Street
Chicopee, MA 01013
413-594-4189