WESTFIELD – It is with great sadness that the family of Joseph Walter Burek, 80, of Westfield, MA announce his passing on April 4, 2018 peacefully within his own home with his loving family by his side.
Joe was born on April 17, 1937 in Westfield, MA to the late Walter and Josephine (Koza) Burek, a place in which he called home for his 80 years of life. He attended Holy Trinity School and Westfield High School where he was captain of his football team. He continued his education at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York earning his degree in Electrical Engineering. He returned to Westfield to manage his family business, Burek Oil Company, until its sale in 2006. He took pride in his business and was grateful to his loyal employees. Joe was active in his community starting at a young age when he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He was a Rotarian in Westfield since March 4, 1976 where he enjoyed volunteering, especially on Casino Night. Joe’s greatest joy was his family. He enjoyed taking his family on picnics to Granville State Park, sledding and vacationing at the beach and Ridin-Hy Ranch. He enjoyed many cruises with his wife Beverly and following retirement the couple was able to take their dream vacation with a cruise around the world. He also enjoyed spending time with his beloved grandchildren, often attending their sports games, going to the movies, and playing cards. He was an avid sports fan attending many professional sports games with his family. Of all things Joe enjoyed, he loved spending holidays with his family, especially Christmas. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 63 years, Beverly A. Burek of Westfield, his three daughters, Joanne B. Wiggin and her spouse Thomas S. Wiggin of Jamestown, R.I., Laura B. Bertelli of Westfield and Lisa B. Goodwin and her spouse Mark Goodwin of Southwick; and his 6 grandchildren, Erica Mary Wiggin, Angela Bertelli, Kelsey H. Wiggin and her spouse Brian Hacker, Branden Bertelli and his fiance Tatyana Sereda, Nathan Goodwin and Nicholas Goodwin; his brother James M. Burek and his wife Carol. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Mary Elizabeth Burek, and his brother, Thomas W. Burek. The funeral for Joe will be held at the Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield on Saturday April 7th at 3 pm. Calling hours will be held from 1-3 pm at the funeral home on Saturday, prior to the service.firtionadams.com
