Harzbecker, Joseph J., of West Roxbury, formerly of Lexington, died Thursday, August 5, at the age of 87.  Joe leaves his best friend and the love of his life of 63 years, his wife Anne (Lansing); he is the father of Joseph J., Jr. of West Roxbury and Susan C. Harzbecker of West Roxbury; cherished grandfather of Daniel Edelston of Westwood.  Joe was predeceased by his siblings, Helen, Robert, June, Marion, and Frank, and is survived by many nephews and nieces.  Joe, born in Boston, the son of the late Robert and Helena (Briscoe) Harzbecker, shared a special bond with his grandfather, Frank Harzbecker.  Joe was a track star at Jamaica Plain High where he was elected the 'best-dressed' in his graduating class! He graduated from Northeastern University with a degree in business and retired from Travelers Insurance.

Joe, who was an avid Red Sox fan and long-time admirer of Ted Williams, enjoyed reading and, as a true people-person, loved to schmooze with his many friends.  Joe was a family man who looked forward to family vacations at York Beach, ME.    Even when some days became difficult, Joe expressed gratitude for his blessed life.

Joe was a man of deep faith and a daily communicant at Holy Name Church where he was a Eucharistic Minister, served on the Parish Pastoral Council, was the co-founder and President of the H.N. Retirees, and a weekly money counter.  In his retirement, Joe was the election captain of Ward 20, Precinct 19, served as Treasurer of the Hyde Park Historical Society, was a member of the West Roxbury Historical Society, and PGK of the Knights of Columbus Council 94-Lexington.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during Visiting Hours on Wednesday, August 11 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at The Robert J. Lawler and Crosby Funeral Home, 1803 Centre St., West Roxbury.  The Family will gather in the funeral home at 10:30 am on Thursday August 12, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30am in Holy Name Church, 1689 Centre St, West Roxbury.  Burial in the Newton Cemetery, 791 Walnut St, Newton Centre.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joe's memory to Doctors Without Borders USA, P.O. Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741. Due to the rising Covid Delta variant please wear a mask. www.lawlerfuneralhome.com