Williamstown Bids Farewell to Longtime Police Chief
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| Retired Williamstown Police Chief Joseph J. Zoito Jr., 'Papa Joe' to his grandchildren, was buried with honors on Friday . |  |
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But at his Friday morning funeral, he was remembered as a teacher.
"Joe had the courage to say, 'I want to serve my country,' serving in the Army, especially in World War II, serving so beautifully that he was awarded the Purple Heart," the Rev. Wayne Biernat said during his homily at St. Patrick's Church. "Joseph taught us how to live, and if we imitate that virtue, we honor his heart."
Zoito was remembered as a devoted family man and a highly decorated protector of Americans at home and abroad during the Mass in his home Parish of Sts. Patrick & Raphael and a graveside service at Eastlawn Cemetery.
Williamstown Police cruisers led the procession on Zoito's short trip to his final resting place, and an honor guard from Richard A. Ruether Post 152 American Legion presented the colors. A 21-gun salute was given in honor of Zoito, who served – among other places – at the pivotal Battle of Bulge in a military career that earned him a Bronze Star for heroic and meritorious achievement.
The funeral also was attended by Zoito's former colleagues in law enforcement from around the county. Among his professional accomplishments was the term he served as president of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, from 1971-72.
Zoito, 88, died earlier this week at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield. He was born in North Adams and attended Drury High School and later graduated from the State Police Academy and Northeastern University
He began serving the people of Williamstown in 1954, first as a special officer. He rose through the ranks and was named chief in 1963, continuing in that position until he retired in 1989.
In that role, Zoito again taught by example, Biernat said.
"In 35 years, we can only imagine the stories and experiences he had," he said. "But it is easy for us ... to walk the streets of Williamstown and meet some of the hearts Joe saved.
"If we imitate that, that once again will be Christ moving through the soul of Joe to teach us how to live."
Perhaps Zoito's best pupils were his family members. He and his wife, Elizabeth, who died in 2010, had three children, six grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. To the family's younger generations, Chief Zoito was "Papa Joe."
One of his grandchildren, Michelle Sherman-Haskins, spoke from the pulpit at the end of Friday's service.
After saying that words failed to adequately describe the man who built the foundation for her family, Sherman-Haskins found the words to make the congregation smile and reflect on her grandfather's legacy.
"I remember so many times we were talking and he'd call me stubborn," she said. "I'd tell him it was genetic, and he'd give a little smile.
"Today, more than ever, I'm proud of that. With stubbornness comes courage and perseverance. I'm proud to be his granddaughter."
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