Our father Joseph Edward Zaczynski Jr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to so many, tragically and unexpectedly passed on March 4th, 2023.

“Junior” – as he was affectionally known – proudly served as a U.S. Marine, and later as an Officer for the Connecticut State Department of Correction, retiring in 2016 after a career spanning over 20 years.

Early on the morning of March 4th Joe was observed nearby a storage shed on the family's property – both he and the structure were fully engulfed in a large fire.

Joe's daughter, along with neighbors, heroically attempted to put out the flames that had overcome his person. His daughter suffered serious burns as she used snow to extinguish the flames still consuming her father after he was moved away from the structure. A neighbor offered prayers, and his daughter offered what comfort she could to him in the moments before emergency assistance arrived.

Joe was transported to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA, and shortly thereafter to Brigham and Women's Hospital Burn Center in Boston, MA. He was critically injured with burns covering more than 85% of his body, yet Joe held on while his son was en route from his home in NJ. That afternoon Joe’s son was able to join him bedside in Boston for his final, peaceful moments.

Joe's daughter's injuries were successfully treated, and his family is currently receiving crisis counseling services.

The family is forever grateful to all of the caring neighbors; the members of fire, police, and EMS; and the medical professionals that did their very best throughout the day.

Everyone will remember Joe as a truly selfless and devoted family member, friend, and Boston Bruins hockey fan. He was an avid tinkerer around the house, and he deeply enjoyed spending time with his granddaughter.

Joe spent his retirement with his wife, daughter, and granddaughter at their home in Agawam, MA. He also maintained a strong relationship with his son who lives out of state, and he spent time with his siblings and friends on a near-daily basis.

This fundraiser has been established to provide continued financial support to Joe's wife, daughter, and granddaughter whom he cared for so dearly. Beyond a small life insurance policy there were no substantial savings; the proceeds of this fundraiser will assist with costs related to necessary repairs on the family home, along with the settling of other final expenses.

Like so many military veterans and members of law enforcement, Joe bravely fought a lifelong battle with serious issues relating to mental health.

A portion of the proceeds from this fundraiser will be used to establish a memorial fund in support of causes dedicated to mental health support and suicide prevention for military veterans and members of the law enforcement community.

Our family is deeply thankful for the time you've taken to read this story; for your thoughts, prayers, and outreach; and for any contribution no matter how large or small to both Joe's family, and a cause we know he would want us to support in his honor and memory.

Thank you,

Ryan Zaczynski & Family