Joseph A. Laski, 89, passed away peacefully on November 27, surrounded by the love of his family. Born in Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of the late Joseph and Mary (Smirowski) Wlaysewski.

Joe was educated in the New York City school system and graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School, an achievement he was always proud of. He continued his studies at the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in Manhattan, where he earned his bachelor’s degree.  He later received an MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey.

A gifted electrical engineer, Joe began his career working for New York City Transit Authority as a civil engineer.  He soon joined IBM in the 1960s, where he was a pioneer in the early days of mainframe programming and continued through to the end of his career as an IT business systems specialist in a greatly changed technological world. 

Joe was married twice in his life. In 1961, he married Eleanor Laski, with whom he raised four children. Later in life, he married Lucia Laski, with whom he shared many meaningful years in Connecticut.

Joe moved later in life to Boston to be closer to his children.  A lifelong New York Mets fan, Joe warmed easily to the Red Sox, who he loved to watch get the best of the Yankees. He loved opera and classical music.  Few things brought him more delight than completing the Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle.

Joe knew the lyrics to every Frank Sinatra song and was rarely without a tune to sing or whistle.  He had a song for every occasion, serenading anyone within earshot.  He loved telling jokes and was an enthusiast of late-night comedy.  He was an original Saturday Night Live fan and later met one of his comedic idols, Jay Leno, at the Medford Theater.

He was a devoted father who supported his children in every endeavor, coaching their Little League teams and cheering them on in life. Easygoing and warm-spirited, Joe reveled in sending gifts to all the young children in his extended family. 

Joe was predeceased by his first wife, Eleanor, and second wife, Lucia, as well as two siblings, Joan Dankowski and Walter “Mickey” Wlaysewski.

He is survived by his children, Cassandra Livingston of Medfield, MA, Joseph Laski and his wife Etsuko of Stoneham, MA, Yvonne Mancuso and her husband Anthony of New Fairfield, CT, and David Laski and his partner Arnar of Reykjavik, Iceland, a brother, John Wlaysewski and his wife Mary Ellen of Glendale, NY, four grandchildren, Rosemary Mancuso, Anthony Mancuso, Aiko Laski and Reiko Laski as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

At his request, all funeral services are private and at the convenience of his family. Arrangements are by the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, Burlington. www.sullivanfuneralhome.net