Joseph Szymanski

Joseph Szymanski died peacefully in his sleep on November 3, 2015 at Atrium Senior Living of Princeton. Joseph was born on May 20, 1927 in Jablonowo Pomorskie, a farming community in North Central Poland. Before WWII, he apprenticed and became a master cabinet-maker and wood worker. During the war, Joseph was forced to work in a factory under the German occupation. From there he was recruited by French Resistance forces. He was then wounded while fighting the invading Russian forces. After the war, he worked under the French Occupation in southern Germany, where he met and married Anna Greither. In 1951, the couple immigrated to the United States with their infant daughter, under sponsorship of the Catholic Church. The family eventually settled in Roselle Park, New Jersey, where Joe worked and later became foreman at Campbell Woodworking. Some years later, he joined a splinter group from that firm, called Proven Design in Kenilworth, NJ. After separation from his wife and daughters in the early nineteen sixties, Joe moved to Perth Amboy where he formed J & S Woodworking; he worked and lived there until September 2013 when he moved to Atrium Senior Living. Joe was at various times, a member of Roman Catholic parishes in Roselle, and throughout Middlesex County. He loved music, dance, and the outdoors. He was a voracious reader who spoke Polish, German, and acquired excellent English. A memorial service will be announced and celebrated privately. Masses are being conducted for Mr. Szymanski. He is survived by his two daughters Lucia Schneck and Patricia Szymanski.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory, to the Alzheimer's Foundation and/or St. Joseph's Social Services in Elizabeth, NJ.