LEICESTER__Joseph P. Staruk, 80, formerly of Sutton died Saturday, July 19 in his home. He leaves his wife of fifty-seven years, Janice (Casey) Staruk, his son, Joseph Staruk of Sutton, his daughter, Cheryl Staruk Cooney, her husband Mick and granddaughter Megan of Leicester with whom he lived and his son, William Staruk, his wife Karen, granddaughter Casie, grandsons Nicholas and Michael, all of Douglas. He also leaves his siblings, brother, Walter Staruk of Florida, sister, Ethel Astukiewicz of Millbury and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by four brothers, Edward, Henry, Harry and Chester Staruk. He was born in Worcester a son of Joseph and Mary (Kramek) Staruk.
Joe was a graduate of Commerce High School and a veteran of the US Army during World War II. He was a letter carrier for the US Post Office for twenty years prior to owning and operating Sutton Falls Camping Area and Lake Manchaug Camping until his retirement in 1997. Successful in business with his wife Janice, he held many leadership roles in the recreation industry including President of the North American Family Camping Association, President of the Massachusetts Association of Campground Owners and served on the board of directors for the National Campground Owners Association. An avid amateur golfer, he held many course records at Pakachoag Golf Course and in the Wachusett Four Ball Tournaments. He was a longtime basketball and football official refereeing throughout Central Massachusetts. Joe was proud of his Polish heritage. He was past commander of the Polish American Veterans of World War II, Worcester and a member of the Quo Vadis Club. He was a lector at St. Anne’s Church in Manchaug for many years and active in his parish community. Joe loved to travel: he and his wife spent may winters in Lake Worth, FL. He was a kind and generous person who will be missed by those who knew and loved him. The family would like to thank Dr. Petra Flock, The Overlook Healthcare Center of Charlton, UMass Memorial Hospice and Senior Comfort Care of Sutton for their kind support and care provided to their family.
The funeral will be held on Wednesday, July 23, with a Mass at 10:30 a.m. in St. Anne’s Church, 29 Main St., Manchaug. Burial will be in St. Denis Cemetery, 62 Manchaug St., Douglas. The family will receive relatives and friends at St. Anne’s Church on Wednesday, July 23 beginning at 9:30 a.m. Henry-Dirsa Funeral Service, 33 Ward St., Worcester is directing arrangements. The family requests that flowers be omitted and memorial contributions may be made to the Seven Hills Foundation, 81 Hope Avenue, Worcester, MA 01603 or St. Anne’s Church, 29 Main St., Manchaug, MA, 01526.