Joseph Stetz

BLANDFORD - Joseph Stetz of Blandford died peacefully April 10, 2014 at Renaissance Manor of Westfield. He had been a 22 year resident of Blandford, Ma. until his three-year stay at the Renaissance. He leaves his son Joseph R. Stetz & daughter in law, Theresa Mitas-Stetz of Blandford who had been his long time caregivers. Joseph Stetz was born in Marea, Pa. in 1918 as one of ten children to Stephen & Mary Stetz. He was a WWII veteran who served with the 274th Infantry in Italy & France. He earned the Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Ribbon, European African Middle East Ribbon, and the WWII Victory Ribbon. Upon the end of the war he moved to New York, married Ramona Alvarez, and enlisted in the National Guard. He lived most of his life with his wife and two sons in Seaford, Long Island. He worked until he retired for Metropolitan Life Insurance in Manhattan. He enjoyed spending his summers with his family at the shore at their summerhouse in Shirley on Long Island. In 1989 he moved to Blandford, Ma. to live with his son Joseph & daughter in law Theresa. “Pops”, as he was called, took to the country life. He split wood until his early 90’s and was responsible for all the rock walls around the house & in the gardens. He enjoyed helping out with the horses and tending his vegetable garden. He was definitely a “character” and will be misses by all who knew him. His son Joseph R. Stetz & daughter in law, Theresa Mitas-Stetz of Blandford survive him. His three grandchildren also survive him: Carissa Cole and her husband Rob, of NC, Michael Stetz of Oh, and Richard Stetz of Hawaii. He has four great granddaughters: Gabrielle Cole, Isabelle Cole, Hebron Cole & Nardos Cole-all living in NC. Surviving brothers and sisters are: Stephen Stetz of Pa, Betty Fedele of Fl, Irene Szold of NJ, & Olga Satkovitch of AZ. Surviving nephew & nieces are Ronald Costa & Ben Costa of FL, Nina Kizer of FL, and Terry Mohram of NJ. His wife Ramona & son Richard predeceased him. Predeceased brothers & sisters were: Eva Ghiozi, Anna Costa, John Stetz, Michael Stetz, and Peter Stetz. There will be a private burial service at Calverton National Veteran’s Cemetery in Calverton, NY. New England Funeral & Cremation Center, LLC 25 Mill Street, Springfield, MA has been entrusted with the arrangements. Visit www.nefcc.net

Joseph Stetz

March 15, 1918 - April 10, 2014