Joseph H. Wojtaszek, Jr., 86

ADAMS, Mass. —  

Joseph H. Wojtaszek, Jr., of Adams, died on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield. He was 86 years old.

Born in Adams on September 2, 1937, he was the son of the late Joseph and Jessie (Armata) Wojtaszek. He attended schools in Adams and graduated as salutatorian from the former Adams High School in the class of 1955. He attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and earned his PhD in physics from the University of Rochester.

Mr. Wojtaszek then moved to Cocoa Beach, FL, where he worked for the Computer Sciences Corporation at the NASA Kennedy Space Center, developing ground control simulations and data collection systems for the Space Shuttle. He later worked for many years as a professor of physics at the University of Miami.

He married the love of his life, the former Mary G. Hall, on September 6, 1958. In his retirement, they moved to Falls Church, VA. When his beloved wife's health declined and she required several years of nursing home care, he visited her faithfully every day, sitting by her side and eating his lunch with her, and helping her outside on sunny days to enjoy the sunshine. Following her death in 2020, he returned to his hometown of Adams in 2021.

He greatly enjoyed spending time sailing his boat on the waters of Florida and listening to Baltimore Orioles games. He and his wife were frequent patrons of opera and classical music performances and spent many hours taking long walks together. Skilled in woodworking, he built cabinets, shelves, and other furniture for his home.

Mr. Wojtaszek was predeceased by his sister Wanda Wojtaszek, who died in 2017, and is survived by his sister Mary Ann Wojtaszek of Adams, as well as by many cousins.

Per his wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial services.

The PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac St., Adams, is in charge of arrangements.

To leave a message of condolence, please go online to www.paciorekfuneral.com.