Joseph P. Chmielewski

Joseph P. Chmielewski died peacefully at home on Monday, August 17, 2020 at the age of 90, surrounded by family. He was born in Ashley, PA, graduated from Ashley High School as valedictorian, and served in the United States Navy as an electronics technician for seven years. While stationed in Philadelphia, he met and, two years later, married Margaret “Peg” (Black). Their loving marriage spanned 67 years. After the Navy, Joe was employed by Philco in Philadelphia as a technician, while he and Peg began raising their young family in South Philadelphia. Joe attended night school at LaSalle College and ultimately earned Bachelor degrees in both Electronics Physics and General Business. As the family grew, he and Peg moved to the new and open spaces of Northeast Philadelphia. Joe became involved in his new community, as a coach and officer of Torresdale Boys Club. In 1966, Joe founded Liberty Bell Youth Organization, which still provides athletic opportunity to hundreds of children in Northeast Philadelphia. As Philco became Philco Ford, Aeronuetronic Ford, and then Ford Aerospace, Joe moved up in the company and became Program Manager. With his expertise in electronics standards labs, and with outstanding management skills, Joe was sent on vital company programs in the U.S., as well as in Egypt and Tunisia. His last assignment was in Florida, after which he retired with Peg in Ormond Beach, and then to Sarasota. His many interests included fishing, reading, collectible cards and coins, and always, his talent for art. His works of art adorn the walls of every family member. Above all else was his love for his family. It was his greatest source of interest and pride. Over the years, "Dad" became "Pop" to his 12 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He loved his growing family. Joe is preceded in death by his daughter Ellen (Dave) Wasko and granddaughter Sandy Rodgers. Joe will be deeply missed by his wife, Margaret (Black) Chmielewski, five children and their spouses: Joe and Sharon Chmielewski, Anne and Tucker Slattery, Jean and Mark Lipton, Mary and Lance Bistransky, and Paul and ImMe Chmielewski; 11 grandchildren: Cydnee (Nathan), Joseph, Lee (Holly), Matthew, Andrew, Christopher (Jen), David, Alex, Evve, Laine, and Sumner; and 7 great grandchildren: Orion, Iroh, Ares, Jacob, Brandon, James, and Evan. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, August 29th at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church in Sarasota for family only. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joseph’s name can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/donate.

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Joseph P. Chmielewski

April 18, 1930 - August 17, 2020