GRAFTON: Joseph J. Baskowski Sr., 95 passed peacefully November 5, 2009. He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years Mary G. (Valladoa) Baskowski, three daughters, Gloria Paradiso and her companion Stephen Buscemi, Carol Dauphinais and her husband Craig both of Grafton, Ann Gurney and her husband Benjamin of Norwell, three sons, Joseph and his wife Karen Shaw of Holliston, Stephen and his wife Carolyn of Gill MA, Richard and his wife Janet of North Brookfield, his daughter in law Ann (Amour) Baskowski of Grafton, 20 grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. His parents William and Sophie (Salash) Baskowski, his son, Jeffrey W. Baskowski of Grafton (2009) and his sister Anna Taylor of Royal Oak MI all passed before him. Mr. Baskowski was born in Kansas City KS October 30, 1914, raised in Gowanda NY and then lived in Peabody MA and Whitinsville before moving to Grafton 49 years ago. He attended Peabody MA High School and then enlisted in The US Army in 1941 fighting in World War II in The European African Middle Eastern Theater. He was in the battle of The Rhineland, Argennes and other European areas with The 57th Signal Battalion and was honorably discharged in 1945 at the rank of Staff Sergeant. He became a machinist after the war working 25 years at Whitin Machine Works and then 25 years at Wyman Gordon Co. retiring in 1979. Mr. Baskowski was a parishioner of St. Philip’s Catholic Church, a member of Benedict Council Knights of Columbus, United Steelworkers of America Local # 2257 and The 57th Signal Battalion Association. Through the example of his life we have been blessed by the values of industriousness, persistence, spunk, humility and generosity. All who knew Joe will miss his ever present smile, his twinkling blue eyes and his good humored nature. He loved people and being in his presence always made one feel as if you were home. His greatest love was his family and most especially his grandchildren. He leaves them and all of us a legacy of love. Joe wishes were that in lieu of flowers donations be made to The Central MA Shelter for Homeless Veterans, 69 Grove St. Worcester MA 01605. Funeral & Calling Hours All are invited to visit with his family at calling hours Sunday November 8th from 2 to 5 pm in The Roney Funeral Home 152 Worcester St. North Grafton. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday November 9th at 11 am in St. Philip’s Catholic Church corner of Church & West St. Grafton Center. He will then be laid to rest with military honors in Fairview Cemetery in South Grafton. All attending Monday are respectfully asked to go directly to the church