LYNN — Joe Cawlina, a bowling legend so accomplished he was nicknamed “Mr. Grand Slam,” died Friday morning at age 93 at an assisted living facility. He began his career at the Post Office Lanes in Lynn, where he was born and lived for more than 65 years.
“Not only the best dad in the world, but the best bowler as well,” said Cawlina’s son, Michael, on behalf of the family.
Cawlina – with his near-flawless delivery – won multiple world titles in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles competitions. He was inducted into the Candlepin Bowling Hall of Fame in 1981 and Lynn Classical (Class of 48) Hall of Fame in 2019.
“And he was much more than that,” said Michael, who delivered copies of The Item in the 1960s and was inducted into Classical’s Hall of Fame with his father.
Cawlina’s professional candlepin career (1948-61) was full of accomplishments. He achieved the highest average (114) in history, at the time, and captured world crowns from 1957-61. Paired with his wife, Barbara (LCHS ’49), who died four years ago, they won a United States mixed doubles title.
With no more candlepins to conquer, Cawlina retired in 1961 before transitioning to tenpin bowling. He continued to dominate and was inducted into the Tenpin Hall of Fame in 2005.
Cawlina also made his presence felt on the golf course, where he won club championships at Colonial Country Club in Lynnfield and Province Lake Country Club in Parsonsfield, Maine.
He worked throughout his bowling career and eventually ran the Cawlina family-owned West Lynn Recycling Company. Cawlina had five children, nine grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.
