Joseph J. Bye Sr.

Joseph J. Bye Sr., 84, a lifelong resident of Hadley, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at home. Joe Sr. was born in Pittsburgh, PA on Sept 15, 1940. He was the son of the late Tofila (Pelc) and John W. Bye. He grew up in Hatfield and was a graduate of Smith Academy in 1958. He was a veteran of the United States Coast Guard. Joe Sr was a lifelong tractor trailer driver and a proud member of the Teamsters Local 404 for 40 years. He loved polka music and listening to the local Sunday morning Polka Carousel radio show. He enjoyed going to breakfast at the Stables and became quite the local celebrity. He loved going to the UMASS Hockey games and also frequented the Polish Club in South Deerfield. Joseph J. Bye Sr. was the beloved husband of the late Patricia Mary (Wanat) Bye who died in October 2016. Joe Sr. leaves 3 loving children; Nancy A. McConkey with whom he shared a special father/daughter bond. He let Nancy shake the house down with her love of Rock ’n’ Roll music; her husband Shaun (Joe Sr’s affectionate nickname for him was #1 son-in-law); Joseph Jr. with whom he visited every MLB baseball park In the USA and Canada. They also had the privilege of going to a Super Bowl game! John P. who got his work ethic and his love of a clean vehicle from Joe Sr.; his wife Susan who was his personal barber. Joe Sr was the most loving and amazing grandfather. He loved them all to beyond the beyond. Each child had a special nickname and handshake when they were greeted and when they said goodbye. You could feel the happiness and love for them. PFC James J. McConkey (Big Dog) predeceased his grandfather in Dec 2017. Joe Sr. was so proud to attend his graduation from Fort Benning; Marissa M. (McConkey) Alfieri and her husband Ryan with whom he enjoyed going to Mohegan Sun and playing cards; Serena V. McConkey who he loved spending time with on Castle Island; Jeffrey J. McConkey, Joe Sr. loved going to see Jeff’s high school games. He was so proud of his athletic skills and quiet intellect; Logan J. Bye and Spencer J. Bye; every Saturday morning was the dump run and breakfast at the Stables. He also loved watching their sports games and attending their band concerts; Guy Alfieri his great step grandson who always looked up to Joe Sr. Joe Sr. also leaves several sister and brother-in-law’s; and many nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be on Sunday, February 9th, 2025, from 12-3 PM at the DROZDAL FUNERAL HOME OF NORTHAMPTON. Funeral will be Monday, February 10, 2025, from the Drozdal Funeral Home at 9 AM, followed by the Mass at 10 AM at Most Holy Redeemer Church in Hadley. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Holy Rosary Cemetery, Hadley. In lieu of flowers, donations made be made in Joe Sr.’s memory to Tunnels to Towers - T2T.org Finally, as Joe Sr. would say “Have a Sparkling Day!” For more information, or to leave the family a personal condolence, please visit Drozdalfuneralhome.com.

Joseph J. Bye Sr.

September 15, 1940 - February 4, 2025