New Britain, CT & Van Buren, ME--- Joseph J. Sytulek, of Van Buren, ME, and formerly of Berlin , CT, passed away Wednesday, October 13, 2021, in the loving presence of his family. Born in New Britain, CT, he was a son of the late Stephen and Emily (Sutula) Sytulek.

Joseph graduated from New Britain High School where he excelled at track, baseball, and basketball, and received numerous awards. He worked at Stanley Tools, New Britain, when he was drafted into the US Army during the Korean Conflict and was deployed to Germany. Even during his time with the US Army, he continued playing sports with his unit. Upon his return to the US, he returned to Stanley Tools, retiring in 1997, after over 43 years of service.

An avid sports player, he played basketball and softball for the Stanley Tools, Manafort Bros, and Steuben Restaurant teams in New Britain. Joseph was also an avid bowler. He was an active member of Stanley Seniors, New Britain, and VFW Post # 10732, of Berlin, CT. He was a new parishioner of St. Bruno-St. Remi Catholic Church, Van Buren, ME, and was a former parishioner of St. Paul's Church, Berlin, CT.

He is survived by: his loving wife of 60 years, Eileen (Janowczyk) Sytulek of Van Buren, ME, and formerly of Berlin, CT; two sons, Jeff Sytulek and his wife Vicky of California, and Gary Sytulek and his wife Debbie of Cyr Plantation, ME; one sister, Virginia Pomerenke of New Britain, CT; four grandchildren, Stacey, Amanda, Justin and Brandon; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Joseph was predeceased by two brothers and six sisters.

Funeral services will be private and at the convenience of Joseph's family. He will be interred in Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery, Caribou, Maine. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joseph's name to: St. Judes Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or at stjude.org. Arrangements are a service of Lajoie Funeral Home, 118 High St., Van Buren, ME 04785.