AUBURN___Joseph J. Sakaitis, 88, of Auburn died on Friday January 12 in St. Vincent’s Hospital at Worcester Medical Center after a five month illness.
He is survived by his nephews, John Rutelonis and his wife Patty of Cherry Valley; and James Rutelonis of Auburn; a niece, Judith Rutelonis of Auburn; two grand nephews, Jason Rutelonis and Joseph Rutelonis. Joe was born in Worcester, the son of John and Mary (Anusauskas) Sakaitis. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Nellie Anderson and Anne Rutelonis and also by his longtime companion, Geraldine LaCourse of Worcester who died last year.
Joseph was a very bright man. He was a graduate of St. John’s High School, class of 1936 and was the valedictorian. He was also a graduate of Becker College. Mr. Sakaitis was a product planner 29 years for the former Crompton & Knowles Co., of Worcester. He retired in 1974. He was a first generation American and was proud to fight for his country as an Army veteran of World War II. He was awarded the Bronze Star in January 1945 in the Phillipines.
Joe was very involved with the Lithuanian community of Worcester. He was a lifelong member of St. Casimir Church, and its former Men’s Club, Worcester. He loved to sing and was also a longtime choir member there and was also a member of the former Worcester pontifical choir. He had also been active with the Knights of Lithuania, Council 26 and was a fourth degree knight. He was awarded a lifetime membership by the Knights of Lithuania. He was also a member of the Lithuanian War Veterans Organization, the Lithuanian Social Club, the Lithuanian Charitable Society and Grafton Hill Post 323 American Legion.
Joe loved to read and it was a lifelong passion that he enjoyed up until the end of his life.
The funeral will be held on Tuesday January 16 from DIRSA-MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 298 Grafton Street, Worcester, with a Mass at 10:00 a.m. in St. Casimir Church, 41 Providence Street, Worcester. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Worcester. A calling hour will be held on Tuesday January 16 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home. Members of Knights of Lithuania will meet at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday during the calling hour to conduct their ritual. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Casimir Church, 41 Providence St., Worcester, Ma., 01604.