Joseph Anthony Valatka, Jr.

Joseph Anthony Valatka, Jr., 81, of Spartanburg, SC passed away on Thursday, November 30, 2023. Born November 3, 1942 in Cambridge, MA, he was the son of the late Joseph Anthony Valatka, Sr. and Florence Kastant Valatka. He was raised in Bedford, MA and was a huge fan of all Boston sports teams, especially the Red Sox and the Celtics. Joseph was a disc jockey in high school and loved Doo-Wop music. He moved to South Carolina in 2006 and joined the local YMCA, where he made many friends. Joseph was of the Catholic faith, and loved his family dearly, especially his grandchildren. Joseph is survived by his wife, Josie Foster Valatka; sons, Joseph “Jay” Anthony Valatka, III (Jacqueline) of Salem, MA and Dana Peter Valatka of Portland, OR; daughter, Laura Wooster (Gary) of Dracut, MA; grandchildren, Jeremy Valatka, Jessica Valatka, Atlas Wooster (Eren), and Evan Wooster; great-grandchild, Carly Moulton; and sisters, Nancy Boynton of FL, Carol Hermance of FL, and Joyce Powderly of MA. His family would like to issue a special thanks to the staff at the Spartanburg Regional Heart Center. Donations in Joseph’s honor may be made to YMCA of Greater Spartanburg online at https://www.spartanburgymca.org/donate/