Joseph Sulenski

Col. Joseph S. Sulenski (Ret.)

Passed away at home in San Francisco early in the morning of May 18, 2017, at the age of 90. Beloved husband of the late Karen Sulenski, loving father of Jay, Jeffrey and Jonathan, and grandfather of Lewis, Babra, Kaitlyn, Mackenzie and Olivia.

Joseph attended the University of Illinois on a basketball scholarship before joining the U.S. Army as an officer in 1951 where he served honorably until retiring in 1977. During his military career Joseph served around the world, including pre-war and post-war Korea, Germany and Viet Nam. During his tour of duty in Viet Name, while in combat, he was struck in head by a helicopter blade and received a severe head injury, from which he recovered remarkably well. During his career, he received many military honors including a Silver Star, Bronze Star and Air Medal. During his military career, he also taught Political Science at West Point for four years after having obtained a Master's Degree in Political Science from Columbia University, he attended the Command & General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth, and he served at the Pentagon.

During his long and happy retirement spent between his houses in San Francisco and the Silverado Country Club in Napa, he enjoyed the company of his beloved wife Karen, his two Cavalier King Charles Terriers, Neo and Zenzie, and, of course, playing every golf course he could find.

Friends may visit June 9, 2017, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm at St. Apollinaris, 3700 Lassen St. in Napa, California, where a Rosary Service will be held at 7:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Apollinaris on June 10, 2017, at 10:30 am. Donations may be made to the American Heart Association. Interment will be at Arlington Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. The Army will determine the date of the interment at some time in the future.