Joseph S. Miaczynski

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts to announce that our wonderful father; grampa; great grampa and great, great grampa, Joseph S. Miaczynski (Joziu) passed away on Sunday April 23, 2023 at the age of 95, surrounded by his family. Dad was born in Erie on August 12, 1927, the son of the late Stanislaus and Stefania (Mszanowski) Miaczynski.

He attended St. Stanislaus School and Tech High School. Before his senior year, dad was inducted into the United States Army in Oct. 1945. He was stationed at Fort Meade, MD for 8 weeks of training. Dad was then stationed at Fort Indiantown Gap where he was first cook. He attained the rank of corporal T/5. Dad received several awards: Meritorious Unit Award Medal; WWII Victory Medal and a Good Conduct American Theater Ribbon. He was Honorably discharged in Dec. 1946. (demobilization) When the grandchildren would interview Dad about his military service for a school paper, he would tell them “When I enlisted, the war ended a year later because they knew I was coming”.

Joe returned to Erie and was employed by Hammermill Paper Co. on Jan. 2, 1947. There he began his career that lasted 44 years and 2 months. He started as a broke carrier making 81 cents/hr! Dad worked his way up to machine tender on paper machine #1. He was instrumental in the containment of a fire that could have been devasting to the plant. He was well respected and liked by all. Our dad retired in April 1991.

One of dads’ best traits was his sense of humor which he passed on to his children. In 1991, dad placed a bid on a hunting camp. Unbeknownst to him, his sons, Mike and Jeff, told him he won the bid, but it was a tugboat. They sure had him going but he found out that he had his dream camp “At Last”. The camp became years of family fun.

No dad could ever be loved more than by his children and grandchildren. He was a humble, honest, and supportive man. He was dedicated and a hard worker. He always put others before himself and was right there to help anyone. He was the foundation of our family. He was very proud of his family, always glowing in the successes of his children and grandchildren. Education was important to him. He always had a roll of nickels for every report card with the admonition to “keep your nose to the grindstone”.

Dad was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 72 years, Shirley (Saur). They were married August 27, 1949 at St. Stanislaus Church. After dad retired, mom and dad traveled all over the world. Their favorite places were China and London; but loved all the places they went.  He was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Paul Goetschius; Brothers: Alfred, Henry, Thaddeus, Steve, Stanley Sisters: Alice Miaczynski, Theresa Zielinski, Helen Stankiewicz

He is survived by his sister: Harriet Schuler; sister in-law Mary Miaczynski.

Father of: Michael Miaczynski; Linda Johnson (Terry); Daniel Miaczynski (Paula (MD)); Judith Goetschius; Jeff Miaczynski (Ann); Patty Lassman (Joe)

Grandfather of: Stacey Kloszewski; Jodie Schwabenbauer (Jason); Kristi Kenyon (Jeremy); Bethany Potyonek (Matt); Thomas Johnson(Amanda); Daniel Miaczynski(Mandy); Kathy Navarette (Ron); Amanda Morris (MD) (Michael (MD) ); Amber Goetschius D’Auria (Anthony); Adam Goetschius; Abby Goetschius (Brad Reichart); Alex Goetschius (Sarah); Brett Miaczynski (Rachel); Greg Miaczynski; Joey Lassman; and Godson Jesse Lassman

Great Grandfather of: Jacob Kloszewski (Jacquelyn); Aaron Kloszewski; Jeremy Kloszewski; Brandon Kloszewski; Jerret Kloszewski; Cerria Schwabenbauer; Randy Schwabenbauer; Gabrielle Simons; Evan Potyonek; Morgan Potyonek; Ryan Johnson; Leann Johnson; DJ Miaczynski; Hunter Miaczynski; Carter Miaczynski; Leah Navarette; Ronnie Navarette; Vanessa Navarette; Austin Navarette; Mitchell Morris; Abigail Morris, Mackenzie Barr Goetschius; Axton Masi Goetschius; and in October baby girl Kenyon.

Great Great Grandfather of: Aiden, Oliver and Addison Rose (parents: Jacob and Jacquelyn Kloszewski)

Relatives and Friends are invited to Davis - Garr Cremation and Funeral Services, Inc., 459 East 12th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania 16503, on Sunday, April 30, 2023, from 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM and Monday, May 1, 2023, from 11:00 AM until the time of Joesph's Funeral Mass beginning at 12:00pm at Saint Lukes Catholic Church, 421 East 38th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania 16504. Burial will follow at Mary Queen of Peace Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, you may donate to any Veterans’ affiliation such as Wounded Warriors, Paralyzed Veterans of America and others, in Joseph’s name (you can find the information online) or to St. Lukes’ Church 421 East 38th St. Erie, Pa 16504.

Online condolences may be sent to Davisgarrfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph S. Miaczynski, please visit our floral store.