Joseph Kruszewski

Joseph Ignacy Kruszewski, known as "Joe" to his friends and "Joey" to his family, lived his life as an everyday hero, a regular Joe! He was born on Valentine's Day in the year 1937 to his father, Ignacious Kruszewski and his wife, Sophie, (Botkis). His birth date alone should let you know that he was meant to love and be loved by everyone.

Joe attended Catholic School and High School in West Rutland, VT, where he played basketball. During his time at Catholic School, he was encouraged to be a choir boy at the local Catholic Church. His mother, Sophie, prayed for him to go into the priesthood, but, boys being boys, girls and music were on his mind. He played drums, live on air, for a local AM radio station in the1950's.

While girls were on his mind, only one captured his heart. At the age of 23, he married the love of his life, Barbara-Ann, (formerly Held). To support his family, Joe worked many jobs, eventually settling into a Tool and Die job at General Electric, where he worked for 34 years, finally taking an early retirement. However, retirement was not to his liking, so he worked with his son, Tim at Aubuchon Hardware until he turned 65. He went on to start his own business, "Kruzer Krafts". Most people in the Rutland area knew him as " The Picnic Table Guy"! He built everything from Sheds, Gazebos, Picnic Tables, Swings and Gliders, to Wishing Wells, Chicken and Rabbit Coops, even a Horse Shelter! Joe worked at this until his legs could not, stopping at the age of 88.

But, the most important thing he built was his home and his family. He and his wife designed and built their home, completing it on Easter Sunday, 1974. Fifty-two years later, it still stands testament to the love he shared with his wife and children.

Joe passed away quietly after a long illness, within his own home, surrounded by his two care-giving children, who will miss his quiet strength and his laughing blue eyes everyday.

Joe is predeceased by his beloved Barbara-Ann, who passed on January 12, 2025. He leaves behind his children, Judith, Timothy, an additional son, a granddaughter and his siblings, Maryanna Ezzo and John Kruszewski. He also has many nieces, nephews, great- nieces and so many friends, who will miss him dearly.

No services will be held and Clifford Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.