Obituary of Joel Zaretsky

Joel Zaretsky passed away on July 11th, 2022 at the age of 84. Joel was born in Brooklyn on April 22 1938, the son of Pauline and Sam Zaretsky. He lived most of his life in West Hurley, NY. He was (and is) many things to many people in his long and well lived life of love. An outdoor enthusiast at heart, he was an accomplished scuba diver, skier, kayaker, bicyclist, swimmer, speed skater, windsurfer, parachutist, spelunker and world traveler. As the “It's Not Metal” guy, Joel was a self-employed life-long creative craftsman and visionary artist Joel brought his sense of humor, his contagious smile, and his bear hugs into every interaction and situation. A dispenser of timeless wisdom, Joel lived life to the fullest without ever “should”ing on himself. He often declared the best years of his life were when he met his soulmate and forever companion Mary Jane. Their true love and the bond they will always share is best captured in their favorite song, "Always" by Leonard Cohen. Joel is survived by his life partner & lover Mary Jane Piccuirro, his son Adam Zaretsky, his grandkids Blu, Indy, Rilke and Haiku and family members Jeneen Piccuirro, Timmy Piccuirro and Dalila Honorato. Private funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Henry J. Bruck Fuenral Home, 261 Broadway, Kingston, NY.