Joseph 'Joe' Starzomski

96 – Whitney Pier

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our father, Joe Starzomski, on April 18, 2013. He died peacefully at home loved and comforted by his family. Although we deeply mourn his loss, we joyfully remember and celebrate the wonderful life he lived for 96 years.

Joe was born March 15, 1917 in Whitney Pier, where he lived and worked his entire life. His parents immigrated to Canada from Poland and were among the first parishioners of St. Mary’s Polish parish in Sydney. Joe was employed at the Sydney Steel Corporation for 44 years and he walked back and forth to the plant with a zest in his step every day of his working life. During his time at the plant, he worked primarily as a charging car and crane operator in the Open Hearth Department and was proud to be part of Cape Breton’s steel heritage.

Joe was a devoted husband, proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and a true gentleman. He loved his family with a passion, and worked tirelessly his entire life to ensure that his family had every opportunity that life could offer. He called Cape Breton, “God’s Country” and built a bungalow in Ben Eoin for his family to enjoy. For over 60 years, the many wonderful memories, laughs and times spent at Ben Eoin have been an inspiration and leading example to many.

Joe was pre-deceased by his parents, Piotr (Peter) and Katarzyna (Peinsznski) Starzomski, his cherished wife Anica ‘Anne’ (Mayich), his son Joey, and daughter-in-law, Margaret Starzomski. He is the last surviving member of his immediate family and was predeceased by his step-father Jan Gura, his brother and sister-in-law, John (Vera) Starzomski; his sisters and brothers-in law, Stella (Joe) Dobranski, Sophie (Walter) Maziarz, Jennie (Ivan) Lapierre, and half-sister, Mary (Jimmy) Anthony.

Left to mourn, “Tati,”, are his 7 children; Marie (Danny) Quinn, Calgary, AB, Peter (Bonnie), Riverview, NB, Frank (Delores),Sydney, Larry, Antigonish, Rosalie, Vancouver, BC, Colette (Joe) Walsh, Cole Harbour, and Judi (Peter) McCarron, Westmount; his 15 grandchildren, Michael Quinn, Calgary, AB, Janet (Ron Vlooswyck) Quinn, Campbell River, BC, Neil (Sandy) Quinn, Calgary, AB, David (Cynthia) Starzomski, St. John, NB, Cora Lee (Jonathan Howes) Starzomski, Bermuda, Krista Ann (Jeff Wilson) Starzomski, Howie Center, Tanya (Sean) Chislett, Sydney, Brian (Aimee Pelletier) Starzomski, Victoria, BC, Kevin (Mandy) Starzomski, Antigonish, Stephen Starzomski, Halifax, Adam Walsh, Moncton, NB, Amy and Sarah Walsh, Cole Harbour, Patrick (Jude Arseneau) McCarron, Dartmouth, Jessica McCarron, Charlottetown, PE; and step-grandaughter, The Hon. Lisa Raitt, Milton, ON. He is also fondly remembered by his great grandchildren; Megan & Riley Vlooswyk, Emma Quinn, Olivia & Daniel Quinn, Lukas & Ryan Starzomski, Nikolas, Noah & Kristofer Starzomski-Wilson, Bella & Marleigh Howes, Frankie & Sophie Chislett, Brenna & Lauren Starzomski, Zachary Starzomski; and step-grandchildren, John Colin & Billy Raitt. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Jennie (Mayich) Samford, Calimesa, California, and a number of cousins and nieces and nephews.

Joe’s unconditional love of his family, and the happiness he brought into our lives, is his ultimate legacy. The family would like to express sincere gratitude to John and Steffie Sawka for their love and friendship. A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Greg Myatt, Janice Black and staff for the outstanding care provided to Joe over the past number of years. Many thanks to Dr. Tom Hewlett, and the Renal Clinic team, to Dr. Rick Bedard, the VON , particularly, Karen MacDonald, Nanette Clarke, Mora MacLean, and Shannon MacKinnon, and the staff of City Homemakers and Pier Pharmasave for their tender care and compassion. A very special thank you to Dr. Anne Frances D’Intino and the Palliative Care team for their exceptional care of Joe during his final days.

Visitation for Joseph Starzomski will take place on Monday at T.W.Curry Parkview Chapel from 2-4 & 7-9 pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday April 23, at 11:00 am at St Mary’s Polish Church, 21 Wesley St, Sydney, with Rev. Norman McPhee officiating. Burial to take place in Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Whitney Pier Youth Club, 111 West Street, Sydney, NS, B1P 6J1; http://www.wpyc.ca/ Online condolences to www.twcurry.com

The hand of God, the arm of gold

Will draw the wanderer back to the fold

There I’ll abide and I’ll be home

The hand of God and the arm of gold

-Allister MacGillvary