Joseph M. Polachek, age 99, was born on October 17, 1918, in Munson, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Helen Mervo and John Polachek. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Pauline Stas Polachek. He leaves behind six daughters, Constance (Connie Malamisura (Frank), Patricia Beike-French (Mark), Marie Saluga (Michael), Joanne Underwood, Karen Polachek, Pauline (Polly) Moore (Mitchell). 16 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind one brother, Steve Polachek and his wife Josephine. Joe left high school during the great depression to help his large family by joining the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corp.). A few years later he met Pauline, who was to become his wife. They married on October 19, 1941. During the war, he went to work for United Engineering and foundry in Pittsburgh, PA and was later transferred to Youngstown, Ohio where he remained for forty years, first as a machine assembler and then as a supervisor. Several of these years he worked on building highly secret war contracts for the U.S. Government. During those years he and his wife for six daughters. When he turned 62 he retired, packed up and moved to Spring Hill, Florida. After his wife developed Alzheimer’s, they moved in with his daughter and her husband in Melbourne, Fl. where they remained until death. Joe loved to work with his hands. His hobbies included building cabinetry and playing Pinochle, but his real love was gardening. He said that his purpose on this earth was to make one small piece of land beautiful, and he did. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 14, from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Avenue in Boardman, followed by a 2 p.m. service. Burial will take place at Lake Park Cemetery. Online condolences can be left at www.rossifunerals.com or www.beachfuneralhome.com.

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