AMHERST, Joseph A. Waskiewicz, Sr., 93, a lifelong resident and farmer of North Amherst, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. Born in Holyoke on January 28, 1930, he was the son of the late Joseph G. and Sophie (Malanowski) Waskiewicz.

Joe grew up on the family farm, J & J Farms, on Meadow St., working alongside his father beginning in the 1930’s using draft horses and very early tractors. He was a graduate of Amherst High School, and it was there that he met his beloved wife, Beverly Jean Lashway. Joe and Bev were married in 1951, made their home on East Pleasant St. and raised their four children Joseph Jr., Michael, Jane and Kathryn. It was on East Pleasant St. where Joe started his first corn stand and became known for his super sweet corn and impeccable quality. Joe and Babe, as he would always call her, moved back to the farm in 1998, bringing the corn stand with them to its current location.

Joe was a communicant of Most Holy Redeemer Church. He was an avid snowmobiler and President of the Amherst Regional Snowmobile Association. He was an Amherst Town Meeting member for many years, a charter member of the first Amherst Farm Committee and a member of the Farm Service Agency for over 20 years, serving as chairman for 9 years.

Joe was particularly proud when J & J Farms became a Centennial Farm in 2009 and to be the owner of the last operating dairy farm in Amherst. He was still helping with daily chores and working alongside his sons and family until he was almost 90. He was also extremely proud of the over 50-year relationship with Atkins Farms supplying valley residents with fresh produce. Joe enjoyed visiting with his customers at the corn stand each year and with his longtime potato and onion customers in the fall.

The only thing Joe took greater pride in than the farm, was his family. This pride was unmatched and Dziadzu could always be counted on for incredible advice and guidance in any situation, a strong bear hug and unconditional love. He instilled in his family a strong work ethic and the importance of taking pride in your work.

Joseph or Juzek, as many called him, was a proud Polish farmer and it wasn’t a Sunday at the farm unless the polkas were playing in the house and while picking corn for the stand. At the end of a long day, Joe could always be found sitting under the trees enjoying the breeze, a cold beer and watching the cows.

In addition to his parents, Joe was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Beverly, brothers Edek and Tony, sister Carolyn, and daughter-in-law Laura. He is survived by his children Joseph Jr., Michael, Jane and her husband Robert, Kathryn and her husband Scott; five grandchildren Katie and her husband Jon, Jackie and her husband Matthew, Sam, Max and Mara Joe, his great-grandson Matthew Joseph and another great-grandson arriving in September; his sisters-in-law Patricia, Loretta, and Cynthia, and his brother-in-law Eugene and brother-in-law Jim.

Joe’s family would like to especially thank Haoua for the loving and compassionate care she provided him in the last few years.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, July 3^rd at 10:00 in Most Holy Redeemer Church, Hadley, with burial following in Holy Rosary Cemetery.

Calling hours will be Sunday, July 2^nd from 1-4pm at the Douglass Funeral Service, Amherst.

Obituary and register book at www.douglassfuneral.com.