Joseph L Rolak

Joseph L. Rolak 93, passed away peacefully December 10, 2022, at Mercy Hospital. He was born in New Bedford, MA on May 13, 1929, to the late Francis and Casmira Rolak and lived in Springfield for 68 years. Joseph was a graduate of Holy Family High School in New Bedford and the University of Vermont in Burlington, VT where he met his wife of 63 years,the love of his life and best friend, Corinne (Vetters), who predeceased him. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army as a World War II veteran and also served in Korea. Joe was a member of the American Legion. Professionally, he has successfully combined humility with marketing skills as Director of Marketing and Vice President at the former Westbank. His legacy in bank marketing was overshadowed by his leadership and service to the Boys & Girls Club (local and regional) and the Work Opportunity Center (a sheltered workshop for the mentally challenged) including the surrounding community. His accomplishment as a humanitarian has earned him the First Annual “Helping Hand Award” by the MA Banker’s Association. When accepting awards, he always recognized the contribution of other individuals. Of the numerous awards he received the most coveted was the “Paul Harris Fellow” he and his wife received individually from the Agawam Rotary Club. However, what he considered his greatest accomplishment was the relationship he had with his nieces and nephews. Most notably, Reginald F. Snow, Jr. who called weekly to say “checking in” for over twenty years. He is also survived by five nieces, Sherry A. Snow of San Ramon, CA, Susan Snow of Saudi Arabia, Sister Marcia Mary Polchlopek of the Felician Sisters in Enfield, CT, Kathy Polchlopek of New Bedford, MA and Kathleen Kurowski of Berkley, MA and four other nephews, Ritchie Snow of Burlington, VT, Tim Martinek of Richmond, VT, Richard Kurowski of Berkley, MA and John Polchlopek. Calling hours will be Saturday December 17, 2022 9:30-10:30AM at Toomey-O’Brien Funeral Home, 1043 Westfield St, W. Spfld. The funeral mass will be held Saturday 11:30AM at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, 417 Boston Rd, Spfld. Entombment will follow at St. Michael the Archangel Chapel Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, Needy Fund, 51 Rosewell St., Springfield, MA 01119 or the West Springfield Boys & Girls Club, 615 Main St., W. Spfld., MA 01089.