Obituary of Joseph Anthony Fedora

Joseph Fedora, 85, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on July 8, 2023. Joe was the son of Andrew Sr. and Anna Fedora. Joe was the youngest of nine children. He was predeceased by his sisters Dorothy, Marge, Ann and brothers Paul, John, Andrew, Walter and Ted. He attended Ashley Street School and Westfield Trade High. Joe went on to graduate from Western New England College with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He worked for various manufacturing companies including Chapman Valve, Smith & Wesson and retired from Hamilton Standard in Connecticut. His twenty-five years of military service included Army National Guard and the Air Force Reserves, which he retired from in 1997. He was a devote Catholic serving as an altar boy through his high school years. Later in life, he became a Eucharistic Minister, served on Parish Counsel and Hearts and Hands Ministry at Immaculate Conception Church in Indian Orchard. After moving to Belchertown, he attended and continued his service with St. Francis of Assisi Church until his health declined. Joe was also a Third and Forth degree member of the Knights of Columbus for 30 years. He met and married his wife, Virgel May Lewis of Palmer and was blessed with 58 years of happiness and love. Joe’s favorite pastimes were golfing, fishing, traveling but most enjoyable was his precious time spent with family and friends. Joe leaves his wife Virgel and four children, a loving daughter Sheryl of Belchertown, and three loving sons Randy and his wife Karen of Monson, Christopher and his wife Mary of Chicopee and Gregory and his wife Robin of Brimfield; 10 grandchildren, Monique, Ryan, Jacob, Cassie, Mark, Steven, Dylan, Marina, Matthew and Ana. Also, a best friend of over 50 years, Donald Foisy of Wilbraham, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Joe was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, neighbor and friend. Joe’s faith and love of God was his rock and foundation throughout his life. Visiting hours will be held at Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home on Monday, July 17th between 9:00am – 10:30am, followed by a liturgy of Christian burial at 11:00 am, at St Francis of Assisi Church in Belchertown. Burial will follow at South Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hospice of Baystate, in Springfield, MA or to St Francis of Assisi Parish in Belchertown, MA.