Joseph F. Sadlow, 94

WWII veteran, expert woodworker

Published May 14, 2020

NORTH READING — Joseph F. Sadlow, 94, of North Reading and formerly of Brooklyn, N.Y., died in his home on Monday, May 4, 2020.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. on April 23, 1926, he was the son of the late Joseph F. and Louise (Nadler) Sadlow. He was raised in Queens, N.Y. and attended Brooklyn Tech High School and Northeastern University.

Joe was a WWII veteran of the U.S. Navy missioned on the USS Fremont APA 44 as a motor machinist’s mate third class. He worked for many years as a mechanical engineer and model maker at toy companies, telegraph and typesetting companies as well as National Radio, Polaroid, Compugraphic and AVCO. He was a resident of North Reading for 61 years.

Joe was a member of the Union Congregational Church where he was the “Clerk of the Works” for its extensive renovation, served on multiple committees, including moderator of the Church Council, and always supported the Church Fair with his hand-crafted woodwork. He was also a member of the North Reading Masonic Lodge, the Order of Eastern Star, Lions Club, Theater Workshop, Gourmet Club, Grandfather’s Club, and many more.

He loved spending time with family and friends. Always busy with a project fixing something for someone or poring his talents into creating Masonic and Eastern Star gavels, pens, clocks and trains, you name it and he would build it. Everything he made was done with such precision and love. He made sure each day had a purpose. He filled his life with woodworking, traveling, entertaining in his home, attending musical productions, dining out with friends, collecting stamps and coins, gardening, and always capturing moments from behind a camera.

Joe was a wonderful husband, father and friend. An inspiration to all, as he lived a full life even after contracting polio at 29 years old. Nothing would stop him from participating in all that life has to offer. Even after being diagnosed with post-polio syndrome he and his wife would continue to travel the country together into their late 80s. Up until his passing he was still living independently in his beloved home of over 55 years.

Joe touched so many people near and far. He could brighten anyone’s day and always took a genuine interest in others. A few words from friends throughout the country refer to him as admirable, humble and kind, genuine, gentle, talented, thoughtful, welcoming, a history buff, a great storyteller and a remarkable man. He was always smiling and would always keep in mind “what good can I do today?” He will be missed by so many.

A beautiful life that comes to an end. He died as he lived; everyone’s friend. In our hearts a memory will always be kept of one we loved and will never forget.

Family members include his beloved late wife of 66 years, Alice C. (Benson) Sadlow; his loving son, Carl Sadlow and his wife Renee (Bourgea) Sadlow of Methuen; his loving daughter, Christina McCormack and her fiance Wayne Hinckley of North Reading; his grandchildren, Nicholas (18) and Elizabeth Sadlow (15), Kailyn (18) and Kyle McCormack (14), and his late sister, Jeanne Sadlow of Old Bethpage, N.Y.

The family is grateful that he received over 200 cards during his final weeks with wonderful memories of the past, words of encouragement and birthday wishes. Now they extend a heartfelt thank you to so many friends in North Reading and beyond who shared their lives with Joe and now their remembrances. They look forward to a future memorial service for all to come together to celebrate his life.

Memorial donations may be made in his memory to: Union Congregational Church, 148 Haverhill St., North Reading, MA 01864 or to the North Reading Masonic Lodge A.F. & A.M., c/o Russell Walters, 154 Main Street, Sandown, N.H. 03873. Arrangements are by the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading, www.croswellfuneralhome.com