Joseph L. Delinsky

1941 - 2022

Joseph L. Delinsky, 81, of Edwardsville, died Friday, March 25, 2022, at Kingston Health Care Center, Kingston.

Born in Nanticoke on March 24, 1941, he was the son of the late John and Anna Nickett Delinsky.

Joe was a 1958 graduate of Edwardsville High School. After graduation, he was granted a half-tuition football scholarship to King's College, Wilkes-Barre, receiving his bachelor's degree in 1962.

He earned his master's degree from Bloomsburg University in 1970. He participated in the National Defense Education Act Institute at Knox College, Galesburg, Ill. He also completed graduate studies at the University of Wichita, Kan./Puebla, Mexico, and at the University of Madrid, Spain.

Joe began teaching Spanish at Edwardsville High School in 1962. While teaching at Edwardsville High School, he was appointed head football coach and assistant basketball coach from 1963 to 1966, working with his dear friend, Chester Vonsavage. Their 1964 football team became co-champions of the West Side Football Conference. He completed his 39-year teaching career at Wyoming Valley West High School. He retired in 2001, having touched the lives of thousands of students by teaching them not only about Spanish, but about life. For Joe, teaching was not only a career, but a natural and heartfelt expression of who he was.

Joe was a caring and compassionate person, always willing to help others, especially his three daughters and their families.

In addition to spending time with his family and friends, some of his joys in life were observing the beauty of nature, fishing, gardening and talking with people wherever he went.

He traveled throughout most of the U.S., much of it tent camping with his daughters and ex-wife. He admired natural wonders, including Glacier National Park, Mt. St. Helen's and Crater Lake.

Blessed with energy, he kept busy physically. Joe hand-built the house in which his daughters were raised in Dallas. He enjoyed caring for their ten acres of gardens, land and fruit trees.

Joe will be remembered for his delicious apple and pumpkin pies, which he generously shared.

Joe had been a member of St. John's Russian Orthodox church, Edwardsville, and a member of churches in the Back Mountain area.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Marie Souchick; and his brothers, John and Michael Delinsky.

He is survived by his daughters, Cindi Delinsky, Karen Delinsky and Kathy Rogers and her husband, Chris. He cherished his three grandchildren, Jack Hagebak, Jamie Rogers and Jillian Rogers. He also had many treasured nieces, nephews and cousins.

In honor of Joe's love for nature, a public celebration of his life will be held outdoors this summer. Details will be announced at a future date.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Hugh B. Hughes & Son Inc. Funeral Home, Forty Fort.

Joe was admired for his appreciation for the simple and meaningful things in life. So instead of flowers or donations, his family suggests honoring him by doing something to brighten someone else's day. Bake a pie for a neighbor, make a phone call just to say hello or share a smile with a stranger. Joe's spirit lives on through our acts of kindness.

For information or to send the family a condolence, please visit the funeral home website at www.hughbhughes.com.