Joseph Kaliszewski

Joseph A. Kaliszewski, age 86, of Greene Township, passed away on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. He was born in Erie on March 24, 1939, son of the late Anthony and Bertha (Stuczynski) Kaliszewski.

Joe was married to Judy for 47 years, prior to her passing in 2018. Together they created a loving home for family and friends. We are impressed that for the first time in his life, he came when Judy was yelling his name.

Joe retired from the Erie School District in 1996 after 33 years as a teacher. He then worked for the Erie Times-News and Port Erie Plastics, officially retiring for the second time after 23 more years. Joe served as a high school wrestling coach and referee, and as a JV football coach for several Erie-area high schools. He also coached every youth sport his children participated in.

Joe served as Lawrence Park Township Commissioner and Greene Township Auditor. He was always working on a new project, often roping his kids and grandkids in to help.

Joe enjoyed the simple joys of life: golfing, fishing, sipping a cold Coors Light, and spending quality time with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed bowling and it makes it even more enjoyable when you have the same group of guys to bowl with for over 35 years. Joe rarely missed a game or school event, and treasured summer trips and helping with school projects. He was a lifelong fan of the Cleveland Browns and the team formerly known as the Indians and made an annual pilgrimage to Notre Dame for football games. A devoted Parrothead, he never passed up the chance to attend a Jimmy Buffett concert.

Joe will be remembered for his steadfast dedication to his family, his strong moral compass, and his ability to find joy in everyday life. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched-as a father, grandfather, coach, neighbor, and friend.

Joseph is survived by his four children: Janet Chandley and her husband, Jay of Millcreek, Jillann Matson and her husband, Shawn of Greene Township, Anthony J. Kaliszewski and his wife, Kelli of Millcreek, and James Kaliszewski of Palm Bay, FL. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Samantha, Gabrielle, Olivia, Andrew and Owen Matson, Jenna, Jodie and Julianna Chandley; brother, Thomas (Diane) Kaliszewski; sister, Carol Peterson; and sister-in-law, Rita Kaliszewski; along with many nieces and nephews. We wish we could mention all the people that Joe and Judy took in and treated as their own. But we are going to limit it to mentioning one, who really became the fifth sibling, Annie Moks.

In addition to his parents, Joseph was preceded in death by his wife, Judith (Hammond) Kaliszewski; daughter, Joyce Kaliszewski; granddaughter, Janelle Matson; siblings: Dorothy Geesey and her husband, Chuck, Edward Kaliszewski, Patricia Kaliszewski, Marge Jez and her husband, Steven; and brother-in-law, Curtis Peterson.

Friends may call at the Dusckas Funeral & Cremation Services Harborcreek, 5151 Buffalo Rd. (at Hannon Rd.) on Monday, May 5th, from 1 to 3 PM and 5 to 8 PM and are further invited to attend a Funeral Mass at St. Mark the Evangelist Church on Tuesday at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow at Mary Queen of Peace Cemetery. Condolences may be offered at www.dusckasfuneralhomes.com.