Uncle Joe

Uncle Joe

October 2011

J. Glenn Eugster

Fontana Free Press

Joe Stazweski graduated from Roslyn High School, NY in 1941. He served as a

Corporal in the 592nd Army Air Force Base Unit from 1943 to 1946. While serving he

received a Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and American Service

Medal. After the military he worked for H.C. Bohack, and various landscape

maintenance companies planting and pruning trees and shrubs. In retirement he and his

look-time companion helped to raise funds for a Lutheran Church by collecting cans and

bottles for recycling. He remains famous at that same church for his clam chowder.

Joe enjoyed making homemade wine, singing songs of all kinds, fishing, rooting for the

NY Yankees, bowling, playing cards, betting on horses at the Roosevelt Racetrack, and

helping family, friends and neighbors. His sense of humor, generosity and straightforward

style endeared him to everyone. Every week be brought flowers home to his

companion. He enjoyed visiting friends and relatives on The East End of Long Island,

NY and enjoying cold beer.

He was my uncle and always had my back. He took me to my first western-musical movie,

gave me bottles of homemade Dandelion wine, taught me how to prune trees

and sing songs from Pittsburg, PA. and Germany. Uncle Joe passed over in 2011 but

he, and his memory, is survived by many.