Joseph John Zajac (93) passed away peacefully surrounded by his children after a short battle with Covid. Born February 12th, 1932, in Fall River, MA, he was the son of the late Joseph C. Zajac and Angela (Dobyna) Zajac. He is survived by his sister Irene Porada, Rumford, RI. He was predeceased by his sisters Constance Oliver and Anna Reid.
Joe graduated from Durfee High School in 1949. After graduation, he enrolled in the U.S. Navy. He served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Lake Champlain CV-39 during the Korean War as an aircraft electrical engineer. He solved the problem of fuses blowing when planes were landing, a major contribution to the United States military. After serving his country, he was employed at the Fall River Electric Light Co. and Eastern Edison Co. before retiring in 1995 after 39 years.
He married his loving wife Arlene Melanson in 1957. He was devoted to her for 67 years before her passing in 2024. They had 3 children Joseph M. Zajac and his wife Robyn of Harvard, MA, Carolyn Zajac Ajemian MD of Southbury CT, and Eric Zajac of Pawtucket RI. He is survived by his 4 grandchildren, Samuel Zajac, Abigail Adkins, Katelyn Ajemian and Maxwell Ajemian, who fondly remember him as their Dziadziu, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Joe was a Renaissance man with many skills, talents, interests, and hobbies. Self taught, before the age of the internet, he figured out how to fix, build, and create all on his own. Every evening he spent hours in his woodworking shop crafting fine furniture, switch plates, fishing lures and busy boxes for his grandchildren. He loved the weather, especially rain, and was a monitor for the National Weather Service (MA-BR-37) dutifully reporting the rainfall until 2025. He enjoyed being out on the Westport River, fishing, quahogging, and scalloping. He was a wonderful cook and everyone looked forward to his annual Quahogarama for the best chowder and stuffed quahogs on the coast. He never came for a visit without bringing one of his homemade pies. He faithfully tended his vegetable garden and would give away much of the abundant harvest. He was a member of the St. Stan's Seniors for many years where he held the office of treasurer. He was a church volunteer who helped to make weekly pierogi in preparation for the annual festival. Arlene and Joe enjoyed retirement traveling the world to over 16 countries and Hawaii. He loved spending time with his four grandchildren on family vacation every summer, going to the beach and working on puzzles.
Joe worked hard and sacrificed, always putting his children and grandchildren first. A generous, loving, and selfless family man who lived a wonderful life. He will be terribly missed.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 20th, 2025, at 8:30 am at Potter Funeral Home 81 Reed Rd. in Westport MA. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. George Church, 12 Highland Ave., Westport, MA at 10:00A.M. Burial will be at Beech Grove Cemetery with military honors.
Reception to follow at the Cove Restaurant in Fall River.