Obituary of Joseph Wieczorek

Joseph T. Wieczorek, 94, died peacefully at his home in Toms River on February 13, 2014 with his loving wife of 67 years, Genevieve, at his side. Joe was born March 5, 1919 in East Brunswick, and valiantly served in the United States Army from 1941 to 1946. A decorated World War II veteran, Joe was a self-proclaimed "jungle fighter" with Company A, 162nd Infantry, 41st Infantry Division during the Philippines and New Guinea campaigns, and was awarded a Purple Heart. Upon returning home, he married the love of his life and settled in South River, where Joe became a proud father of seven children. He worked for Hercules Chemical Co. for 37 years before retiring in 1984. Joe was a communicant of St. Mary of the Lake Church for many years, enjoyed a good polka, and was an avid walker. He especially loved his role as a doting grandfather and great-grandfather, and was most often seen sporting a baseball cap or sweatshirt from the colleges his grandchildren attended. Joe was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Edward and Albert; sister, Florence; son, Robert; son-in-law, Wayne; and granddaughter, Jill. Surviving are his wife, Genevieve; his sister, Doris Chmura; his son, Joseph Wieczorek and wife Maureen; five daughters, Lois Matty and husband Lou, Carol Wasiowich and husband Pete, Janice Krilla and fiancé Tom McGough, Lori Drew and Bill Thompson, and Marlene Anson; 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held at Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Monday, February 17, 2014 from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM with his funeral service to follow at 12:30 PM at the funeral home. Entombment will follow at St. Mary of the Lake Cemetery, Lakewood . In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Joe to the Special Olympics NJ, 214 Cokesbury Road, Lebanon, NJ 08833-4437 would be appreciated. For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com