Joseph A. Michalski

Joseph A. Michalski, 93, died Sunday, March 26, 2023, at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford. He was the husband of V. Lorraine (Benoit) Michalski for 70 years.

Born in New Bedford, son of the late Jacob and Janina (Palucha) Michalski, Joseph was a lifelong resident of the city. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and then as a First Class Petty Officer overseeing the carpentry unit in the Newport Navy Base until his retirement. He was also a member of the Polish American Veterans.

As a communicant of the former Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Joseph always enjoyed helping at the church and working with Catholic charities. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, where he was especially fond of volunteering at their many clambakes over the years. He was recently recognized by the Commonwealth of MA State Senate for his dedicated service in the U.S. Navy Seabees, exemplifying the ingenuity and resourcefulness for which they are known. Joe was asked by an Admiral to build a plaque for President Reagan and was quick to point out a better design and build.

Joseph was also an accomplished woodworker, and was exceptionally talented at making furniture. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, telling them stories, and sharing his life adventures with them.

In addition to his wife, Lorraine, Joseph is survived by 2 sons, Raymond Michalski and Michael Michalski and his wife, Maria; 2 daughters, Janet Thomas-Gorges and her husband, Richard, and Joan Davignon and her husband, Edward; 1 brother, Frank Michalski; 1 sister, Evelyn Bourque; 5 grandchildren, Kristin Graham, Shaun Thomas, Meagan Bowling, Jared Davignon, and Tara Germac; and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his brother Thaddeus Michalski, and his sisters, Flora Gonet and Ulena Chaberek.

Arrangements are with Machnowski Funeral Home, 472 Ashley Boulevard, New Bedford. Visiting hours are 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Thursday, March 30, 2023 at the funeral home. His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, March 31, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Saint Julie Billiart Church, 494 Slocum Road, North Dartmouth, MA. Burial will follow with military honors at Sacred Heart Cemetery, New Bedford.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to a charity of one’s choice.

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