Joseph T. Polonski, born in Boston, Massachusetts, died peacefully with his family by his side just three weeks after losing the love of his life, Patricia, his bride of 66 years.
Growing up in the West End of Boston, Joe excelled in every sport he touched, competing for the West End House Boys Club and Commerce High School, now known as English High School. One of five children of his immigrant single mother, Joe turned down a NCAA division 1 Track and Field Scholarship in favor of helping to support his family. He graduated with an accounting degree from Suffolk University and like his sports prowess, excelled in his accounting roles and rose to the Chief Financial Officer position at various corporations.

Joe and his wife had three children. He was an amazing dad, encouraging his children to live full lives and worked tirelessly to provide for, and spending time with, them whether it was sitting in the bleachers at a Red Sox game, sailing on the Charles River in Boston or by their summer house on Cape Cod, teaching them accounting skills, mountain climbing, or skiing in New England. The way he balanced his great sense of humor, his love of sports, and great love for his family was exceptional.

Perhaps most notable about Joe was his infectious personality and love for conversation about anything with anyone. He became spinal cord injured at age 69 and lost use of his legs but he "played the ball where it lied" and became and inspiration to all who were fortunate to know him. As a neighbor stated, "He was still the same great man who loved life, waved at his neighbors and made friends easily, without judgment.

As written by a great friend "Joe was a part of "The Greatest Generation" however he wouldn't want any platitudes said of him after he was gone, he would most want to be remembered as a good man, husband, father, and neighbor. Not a bad epitaph for most men, but Joe Polonski was no ordinary man."
Joe was predeceased by his wife, Patricia, son Joe, Jr., and granddaughter Jenn. He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter Donna Lowell and husband Tom, of Florida, son Gary Polonski and wife Wendy, Son-in-law Tim Kellar of Arizona, 3 granddaughters Victoria Addis of FL, Kellie Watts of NH, Cori Polonski of SC and 7 great grandchildren.
We will miss his extraordinary personality but are forever blessed by the example of perseverance that he is to all who had the pleasure to know him.

He is our hero.