Malden resident to honor late fiancé at Boston Marathon after tragic plane crash

Special to The Advocate

Malden resident Jill Hadwen will be running this year’s race in honor of her late fiancé, Joseph Puciloski. Just days after their engagement, during a Cape Cod getaway in June 2025, Joseph Puciloski was critically injured in a small plane crash shortly after takeoff in Beverly, Massachusetts, and was transported to Mass General Hospital. Despite the efforts of the emergency medicine team, he passed away several days later.

Jill says the care and compassion shown by the Mass General staff during those final days left a lasting impact — not only in how they treated Joe, but in how they supported her, their friends and their families during an incredibly difficult time. Joe was also able to fulfill his wish of becoming an organ donor, helping save four lives.

Now, Jill is training for the Boston Marathon in his memory. A longtime runner, she says the race gives her a way to honor Joe while continuing to move forward in the months since his passing.