Joseph M. Utka, 85, of West Bridgewater, died on April 25, 2016 after a brief illness. Born in Nashua, N.H., son of the late Anthony and Anna (Kupchunas) Utka, he was a graduate of Nashua High School. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Saint Anselm College and his Master’s and Doctorate of Education degrees from Boston College. Joseph began teaching in Brockton, but spent the majority of his career in the Newton public school system. He enjoyed gardening and reading. A devout Catholic, he was a long time parishioner of St. Ann’s Church in West Bridgewater. Joseph is survived by his wife of 57 years, Margaret (Giovanoni) Utka; his daughters: Margaret-Mary Williams (and her husband Andrew) and Sarah Utka; grandson Benjamin Williams; and his twin sister Florence Stanley of Hudson, NH. He was predeceased by his sisters: Sr. Antonilla, S.S.C., Agnes, Josephine and Sophie. All are welcome to calling hours Thursday 4-7 p.m. in Waitt Funeral Chapel at Waitt Funeral Home, 850 North Main St., Brockton. Funeral from Waitt Funeral Home Friday at 10 a.m., funeral Mass at 11 a.m. in St. Ann’s Church, West Bridgewater and burial at Pine Hill Cemetery, West Bridgewater. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Friends of the Unborn, P.O. Box 692246, Quincy, MA 02269-2246.

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