Joseph S. Gorniak

?Dear Mrs. Gorniak and family,

Mr. Gorniak and I had an interesting weaving of paths. I have many fond memories of Mr. Gorniak from Woodrow Wilson Jr. High. I was lucky enough to spend four years with him there. (I was on the extended plan designed for those who ignored academic requirements!) I will never forget the day I walked into his office on day 1 of year 4. He barked, “Napier, what the hell are you doing here?” I explained, and he had a good laugh. During my 4th year at Wilson, Mr. Gorniak was a mojor part of helping me turn my life around. After Wilson, I moved on to CAPA, where
Mr. Gorniak soon followed. I kept in touch with him there although I was a voice major. After Culinary school,I found myself working at The Country Inn restaurant where I learned that he frequented. We talked often. I even ended up buying a motorcycle from him! Mr. Gorniak was a great man and touched the lives of many students. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Peace.

Hi Mrs. Gorniak, I was very sorry to hear of Joe's passing. I have fond memories of your husband's exasperated looks at us as we tried to hook up a trailer to one of our cars (and his assistance so we could do it right). I also remember his fondness for music. What a great influence for his kids. You are in my thoughts and prayers in this difficult time. Kim and Pam Odhner send their condolences from Vietnam, as well.

Our deepest sympathy to the entire family. Although we never had the pleasure of meeting Joe, we feel a contection to him through our dear friend Steve. Geraldine, our prayers go out to you.

To the entire family of Mr Gorniak. Please except my deepest sympathy to all of you he was a great teacher and a wonderful human being. I along with so many others have had the pleasure of working with him he will be missed class of 94

To the entire family of Mr. Joe Gorniak:

I am saddened by your loss as one of the best musicians and music educators has left pur presence. CAPA will never forget you Mr. Gorniak!

Shavonne Edwards
Class of '89

My Thoughts and Prayer go out to the family of Mr. Gorniak, I attended CAPA 1982-1986 (instrumental music major). He put order where there was none. What a wonderful person.

Mr. Gorniak I went to school at Beeber Jr. High and you were my music teacher. You actually moved me from the clarinet to the Bassoon and for that I am greatful. Thank you for your guidance and patience. Over the years I had thought of you a lot and always wondered what great orchestra or piece of music you were working on or conducting. Rest peacefully my friend and teacher. You will always live in our hearts and prayers. May your memory be a blessing.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Celebrating a life well lived, a giving soul and talented educator. Please accept my condolences.

Although I will not be able to attend the funeral, I want to send my heart-felt condolences to Mr. Gorniak's family and to all the friends, associates and students who are deeply saddened by his departure.

I would personally like to thank Mr. Gorniak for his leadership and support while I was a student at CAPA. I will never forget Mr. Gorniak's service to his students and his profession. I thank him for his patience with me, as stubborn and hard-headed as I could be at times.

As a current music teacher, I can really appreciate what Mr. Gorniak provided those of us who were part of the band and orchestra. I am one of many witnesses who can honestly say that Mr. Gorniak's work and service was not in vain. Many things that he told me (and others), I could not appreciate at the time. However, the seeds he planted in me has helped to blossom other flowers as well.

Mr. Gorniak always talked about the capital "P." He stressed the importance of professionalism. It took me a while to get that concept, but I eventually got it. And so did many others.

Thank you Mr. Gorniak! May your song continue.

You will be missed.

Antonio Parker
Class of 1987
Instrumental Music

To The Family of Mr. Joseph Gorniak,
You have my deepest condolences for your loss. I was not a music student; I was a drama student. However, we are all one CAPA family, and therefore share your sorrow. My prayers are with you.

I will miss everything about you, your laugh your stories the times we spent just hanging out and talking, all the different things that you taught me. You will always be a part of me. Dad I Love You!!!

Joe Gorniak was a colleague and friend to faculty and students alike. His dedication, professionalism but most important his compassion, understanding and caring for "his" music students was joy to behold. This was returned by not only "his" music students but by the entire CAPA student family. His title was Music Teacher, but Joe Gorniak was a teacher of children. A man who taught them how to play, perform and appreciate great music but also prepared his students for the realities of life, that with hard work, practice, concentration, dedication and enjoyment of what one is doing.....success will follow! Not always in a "FLASH" but with the gifts that Mr Gorniak helped you hone & improve your social and musical skills and with your own personal persistence your achievements are limitless.
Richard Cohen, CAPA Art Instructor (Retired) Plymouth Mtg, PA

To Mrs. Gorniak & Family:Your husband/father was a great inspiration to me.  He taught me professionalism in music and the importance of being a gentlemen.  He always encouraged my endeavors (string band mummers & military) and directed me to strive to do better.  I am a blessed man to have him in my life.

I will never forget you Mr. Gorniak. You were one of my favorite teachers. You will surely be missed by your CAPA kids but never forgotten!

I will miss you and treasure my fond memories of your guidance through the years while under your care. You are not forgotten.

Thank you Mr. Gorniak for your dedication to your students at CAPA. I remember auditioning to get into CAPA in 1987. Mr. Gorniak was so friendly and helped me relax during that stressful few hours. Through my high school years he was a tremendous teacher. I will always remember all the little things he did for us.

God speed.

Mr. Gorniak, you were one of CAPA's finest teachers. You will be sorely missed by all of your CAPA children.

Theresa Casper Nelson
Class of 1987
Vocal Music