Joseph Golas

Joseph Benjamin Golas, Sr., husband of Margaret (Labis) Golas passed away peacefully on January 8, 2017. He was born in Thompsonville on March 18, 1922 to Stephen and Katherine (Kida) Golas. In 1936, at 13, and until 1942, he formed and coached a 10-12 age group baseball team ending with 15 -16 years old. His teams won three regional championships in 1939, 1940 and 1942. He served in World War II in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946 and returned to Thompsonville to take a job with the United States Post Office where he would work for 35 years ending in the accounting office. He coached the adult American Legion league from 1946 to 1948 which finished second place each year. In 2003, he was inducted into the Enfield Athletic Hall of Fame for his work with the Enfield youth on his Midget, Junior Senior and Adult teams. He had a vegetable garden each summer and in addition to the regular vegetables, he grew tiny white popcorn, broom corn celery and potatoes. He was a faithful communicant of St. Bernard’s Church. His family, praying, sports, reading and word jumbles continued to be his joy and past times throughout his entire life. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Margaret, his children, Joseph Jr., Father John, administrator of St. Bernard’s Church, Margaret, Stephen (Terri), Father John Pham, CSsR and his three grandsons, Kevin, Thomas and Jack. His brother, Matthew, lives in San Antonio and he was predeceased by his sister-in-law, Margaret. He had many beloved nieces, nephews and life-long friends. The family would like to thank the staff at Evergreen Rehabilitation Center and the staff and Sisters of St. Joseph’s Residence for their care and support. Visitation is at St. Joseph’s Residence, 1365 Enfield St., Enfield, CT on Wednesday January 11, from 2 pm to 4 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Bernard’s Church 424 Hazard Ave., Enfield, CT on Thursday January 12, at 10 am. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Bernard’s Church 426 Hazard Ave., Enfield, CT 06082, Little Sisters of the Poor 1365, Enfield St., Enfield, CT 06082 or Felician Sisters, 1335 Enfield St., Enfield, CT 06082.