Joseph P. Czarnionka

CZARNIONKA - Joseph P. Czarnionka Sr. passed away, Thursday, December 1, 2011 at Lowell General Hospital after a brief illness at the age of 90. A lifelong resident of Pepperell MA, he spent his final years quietly in Lowell. He was born on May 31, 1921 to Olga (Taravick) and Simon Czarnionka and was the brother of Simon, Adolfe, Catherine, Mary and John Czarnionka. He attended Pepperell Schools and enjoyed playing baseball with friends and his life in a small American town. As he grew older he obtained employment at the Bemis Company in Pepperell where he would work for fifty five years, then for several years with K and J Packaging at the same location. His position with Bemis was only interrupted as he answered the call to serve our great nation during World War II. He enlisted in the US Army and was selected for the Army Air Corps. He served in the Pacific Theatre of Operations as a Flight Navigator with the 19th Troop Carrier Squadron based out of Hickam Field Hawaii. He took direct part in operations in the Marshall and Marianna Islands, gaining the WW II victory ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign ribbon with two battle stars and the American Campaign Ribbon. He rose to the rank of First Lieutenant and later referred to by pilots of his squadron as the man they all wanted to have plotting their course. Honorably discharged from the Army Air Corps after the war and was later granted a retirement from the US Air Force. He then returned to his Pepperell home where his main focus and devotion was on his wife Marion (Jankouskas) who predeceased him in 2001 and to his only son Joseph P. Czarnionka Jr. who predeceased him in 2005. Joe C., as he was known by many, made his mark on the community of Pepperell throughout his life. He was active in town politics and the constant pursuit of improving the town. He was elected selectman for five terms and also served as chairman of the board. He was a long time member of the town Finance Committee and an original member of the town's Public Works Committee. He was a long time regional representative to the board of the Lowell Regional Transit Authority. His faith was strong as he was a long time communicant and volunteer for the care and upkeep of St. Josephs Church in Pepperell. He would volunteer endless hours to the church and its well being, the church community and its members. The well being of those most in need was always a concern to Joe C., as he was deeply but quietly involved in the PACH (Pepperell Aid from Church to Home) program. He was focused on helping feed and assist those less fortunate, and was a vocal and strong advocate for the senior citizens in the town and worked tirelessly with others for the development of the senior center program which thrives today. He was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus, gaining the title of Fourth Degree Knight and was one of the driving forces of the bygone successes of the Knights of Columbus in Pepperell. He was a proud life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3291where he served on numerous committees and in numerous positions rising to Post Commander. He was also a member of the American Legion for several years and took part in their activities throughout the community and the nation. A life member of both the US Air force Association and the Air Force Navigators Observers Association and would enjoy traveling in his later years to his squadron reunions with his son and grandson to meet the men with whom he flew and served during the "great war". Throughout his life he was a quiet benefactor and strong supporter to many US Military, Police and Fire Department relief groups and to the men and women of America who serve. He would also lend his generous support to many youth athletic and activity groups in his community throughout the years. He was an avid New England sports fan throughout his life, especially enjoying Red Sox and Bruins games. His humble devotion to the many causes and pursuits came second only to his family. He was the epitome of a family comes first individual recognized by his love and devotion to his wife, son, grandchildren and their children. He was a role model in his patience, participation and generosity and taught his family the true ideals of love and devotion along with the importance of humility and unselfish service to others. To his family he was known and loved as Papa Joe. He will be sorrowfully missed but never forgotten and they will hopefully carry on his legacy based on the examples he set. The final years of his life were spent in Lowell with his loving and caring daughter-in-law Jane, who tirelessly attended to him with the help of his granddaughter Ausrine and grandson Caz always following the events of his home town and community. He is survived by his Siblings Adolfe Czarnionka and Mary Wheeler, daughter-in-law Jane Czarnionka (Baranowski) of Lowell. Grandchildren Ausrine Williams (Czarnionka) of Lowell, Casimir "Caz" Czarnionka of the Lowell Police Department and his fianc�e Jessica Ouellette (Geoffroy) of Pelham. His great grandchildren Kasey Knaus (Cupps) and her husband Mark Knaus of Mount Angel Oregon. Petty Officer Third Class Joshua Cupps of the United States Navy. Emma Czarnionka of Pelham, Connor Williams of Lowell, Jack Ouellette and Thomas Ouellette of Pelham and Kayla Snell of Lowell. His two young great-great grandsons, Killian and Thatcher Knaus of Mount Angel Oregon, who will only know and learn of their Papa Joe from the legacy he left behind. All of whom shall miss him dearly as they strive in their endeavors through life, school and athletics.
Joe was a man who loved and served his country, his community, but most of all his family and was truly a part of the greatest generation.

There are no calling hours. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Parish worshipping at St. Joseph Church, 28 Tarbell St., Pepperell, MA. Burial will be held at a later date at St. Joseph Cemetery, Pepperell.