CHICOPEE – Joseph M. “Joe” Kryla, 82, of the Aldenville section of Chicopee was Called Safely Home on Monday, June 17, 2013. He passed into Eternal Life at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving daughter, Karen. He was born at home in the Sandy Hill section of Chicopee on January 2, 1931, a beloved son of the late Joseph and Cecilia (Wajda) Kryla. He was raised in Chicopee, attended Chicopee High School and was a lifelong resident of the city. At the young age of 17, he left high school and enlisted in the United States Navy. He served his country during the Korean War aboard the USS Elokomin where he voyaged through the Far East and the British Isle and attained the rank of Seaman. Following his military service, he returned to Chicopee and received his diploma from Chicopee High School. He then furthered his education and attended American International College and an electronic school in Hartford, Connecticut. He then was employed for several years at the former F. W. Sickles Company in Chicopee. He later began a career for 31 years as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service at the Chicopee Center and Chicopee Falls Post Offices. Following his retirement, he worked part-time for 20 years as a starter and ranger at the Chicopee Country Club. During his leisure time, Joe enjoyed cooking his favorite dishes for his family and his many friends. Joe also loved the outdoors where he enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing golf and his yearly trip to Maine with his family. He was a member of the Fairview American Legion Post 438 and a member of the Tigers Athletic Club, both in Chicopee. He leaves the love of his life, his wife, Joyce A. (Mireault) Kryla. They were married on July 23, 1955 at Sainte Rose de Lima Church in Aldenville and were blessed with nearly 58 years of happiness together. He also leaves his three loving children, Mark J. Kryla and his wife, Carolyn, of Corona, CA, Karen L. Kryla Gordon and her husband, Robert Gordon, of Westfield, and Richard M. Kryla of Wildomar, CA; his four cherished grandchildren who affectionately called him “Dziadziu”, Katherine E. and Michael J. Kryla, and Noah C. and Skye K. Gordon; and his many dear nephews and nieces. His funeral service will be held on Saturday morning, June 22, 2013 beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Aldenville Chapels, (413-532-9806), 13 Dale Street, Chicopee, MA 01020, (funeral home will open at 9:30 a.m.). His burial with United States Navy Military Honors will follow the service at Sainte Rose Cemetery, 49 Olsen Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. His family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, June 21, 2013 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The parking lot and main entrance are located in the rear of the funeral home at 20 Lafayette Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. Because of the excellent care Joseph received for the past 21 months at the Soldiers Home in Holyoke, his family has requested that memorial donations be made in his memory to the Soldiers Home in Holyoke, 110 Cherry Street, Holyoke, MA 01040. For more details, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com