Joseph J. Szafran of Pelham, NH, died May 12, 2024. He was the son of the late Joseph J. Szafran and Stella “Stasia” (Swiderska) Szafran as well as the husband of Eleanor M. (Miron) Szafran to whom he was married for fifty two years.
Joe was a master Linotype compositor at the Courier Citizens Corporation. He finished his six-year printing apprenticeship, which he began prior to graduating from Lowell High School, in just three years. He later became one of the Composition Room’s mechanics, mastering the Linotype’s 5000 moving parts. This skill set served him well, and he was in demand as a Linotype mechanic at other regional printing houses after the Courier closed its Linotype division in 1979. As the printing industry changed he became one of the only individuals in the country who could repair and maintain Linotype machines. This lead to multiple invitations from nationally renowned museums inviting him to speak and teach.
At a young age he fell in love with building and modifying cars. This sparked a life long passion of hot rod building and he did much of this with his late best friend, John Lally. In 1979 they founded Mill City Street Rods Car Club and car building and philanthropy became a huge part of both of their lives. Joe was also a member of the Mass Street Rod Association, The Ford V8 Club and the National Street Rod Association. Attending Street Rod events across the country in his 1940 Ford was one of his favorite pastimes.
Joe was passionate about knowledge, learning, history and science and was an invaluable resource to his children and grandchildren. He reveled in being able to share information or spark interest in any individual wanting to learn.
His strong automotive background lead him to run several successful automotive salvage yards throughout New England and prior to his retirement he worked as a licensed automotive adjuster and appraiser.
Joe was an avid gardener and enjoyed growing vegetables that he described as being better than anyone’s. In the summer months he could be found on his deck, watching the sunrise, overseeing his tomatoes and drinking coffee while Cardinals and Hummingbirds landed on his hands. His ongoing war with chipmunks over the years reached legendary status amongst neighbors and townsfolk alike.
His real love though was cooking and feeding other people. There is nothing he enjoyed more than sharing traditional Polish food with people who had never tried it or who had been searching for authentic Polish cooking.
One of his biggest joys was helping to organize large benefits and fundraisers to help friends and people in need. He could always be found behind a grill or stove. He liked to do things in the background and watch the end result from a distance. Many times that meant folks would find groceries they needed on their front porch, their vehicles magically fixed, or families going through illness or loss would find a rotation of hot meals at their door. He believed people should quietly help people in their time of need.
In addition to his wife he is survived by his daughters Lauren B. Szafran of Lowell, MA and Heather M. Szafran of New Orleans, LA. He spent a significant amount of time traveling with them when they were children and used every opportunity to encourage them to continue to always embrace new things.
He was Dziadziu to his grandchildren, Evelyn Szafran Lally, Stacia Szafran Lally, Sylvia Szafran Lally, and great granddaughter Cora Szafran Lally. Over the past two decades, they became one of his greatest joys. He loved spending time hearing Evelyn’s stories and embraced the “Cutie Patotie” name she gave him. He loved talking for hours with Stacia about genetics research and scientific discoveries and he especially loved going to Sylvia’s Firecrackers & LHS Varsity softball games. Over the past six months he particularly enjoyed spending time with Cora and her dog Dudley.
Joe leaves behind his dearest friends, Jay Lally, Chuck Haas & Bob Nutter who he cherished more than they will ever know as well as Francisco Marrero, Guy Paquin, Clinton Wilder, and Russell Caucette.
He is also survived by several nephews and nieces who when the rare chance allowed, he enjoyed sharing long talks, excellent food and libations.
Joe’s wish was not to have traditional funeral services, but to have a party with hot rods, custom cars, music, friends and food. A date for this event will be announced in the near future. Please find us on Facebook or use this website to leave the family a message of condolence at any time.