Obituary: Joseph F. Wolak Jr., 71, of Wallingford

From Wallingford Funeral Home

Joseph F. Wolak Jr., 71, of Wallingford, died surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at the V.A. Medical Center in West Haven. He was the beloved husband of Jaclyn (Emery) Wolak.

He was born in Meriden, August 27, 1946, and was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Vietnam War. He had been employed as a teacher at Orchard Hill Junior H.S. in North Haven until his retirement and was an avid bass fisherman. He was a parishioner of Our Lady of Fatima Church and a member of D.A.V.

In addition to his wife Jaclyn, he is survived by his cherished daughters, Carrie Wolak and her boyfriend Brian Verrastro, and Christa Greenlaw and her husband Jason; his grandsons who he adored, Brayden and Ethan Greenlaw; his sister, Carol Philippi and her husband Richard; his in-laws, Thomas Emery, and Janice Martin and her boyfriend Mike Barile and family; his nieces and nephews, Tamara Wolak and her wife Heidi and family, and Christopher Wolak and his wife Kristine and family, who were all very special to him. He was predeceased by his father, Joseph F. Wolak, Sr.; his mother, Gertrude (Yale) Tencza; and his stepfather, Carol Tencza; and his brother, John Wolak.

Joseph’s family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the doctors and staff of the V.A. Medical Center, their family and friends for the exceptional care and compassion that they provided.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial Mass on Saturday, March 17, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. directly at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 382 Hope Hill Rd., Wallingford, CT. Burial will be private in Ss. Peter and Paul Cemetery. Joe’s 2 year old relative Drew’s battle with cancer inspired him to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in lieu of flowers gifts in Joe’s memory may be sent there also: 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105. Joe said, “Every dollar counts”.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Wallingford Funeral Home here.