Joseph Miazga

Miazga, Joseph
JACKSON, Wyo. - Joseph Miazga, 86, of Jackson, Wyo., passed away peacefully on July 1, 2025, at Sage Living Center, surrounded by his family.
Joe was born on December 22, 1938, in Cohoes, N.Y. He was the only child of Joseph and Stasia Miazga (Jarosz). After his father's early passing, his mother, Stasia, continued to operate The Hometown Bakery on White Street, a business she and her husband had started the year Joe was born. Joe often spoke of the strong women who raised and shaped him. His mother, an independent and resilient woman, instilled in him a deep work ethic. He was also lovingly watched over by his cousin Jean Junker, who was like a sister to him, as well as his Aunt Sophie and Aunt Helen, in their apartment above the bakery.
Joe graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in Albany, N.Y., in 1956, an experience that had a lasting impact on his values and friendships. After high school, he boarded his first-ever flight to Oklahoma A&M, to pursue a degree in baking. After college, he returned to Cohoes to work at the family bakery.
Joe first met his future wife, CarolAnn, in kindergarten. Though life took them on different paths, fate reunited them during a night out when Joe, seeing CarolAnn from across the room while on a date with another girl, asked permission to say hello and dance with an "old friend." A year later, on August 13, 1960, the two were married at St. Michael's Church in Cohoes.
As an only child, Joe dreamed of having a big family. He and CarolAnn welcomed their first daughter, CarolAnn, on June 22, 1961. They bought their first home on David Dr., to accommodate their growing family. Son, Joseph, was born in 1964, followed by Christopher in 1965, Justin in 1967, Jennifer in 1970, and Cassandra in 1972. On David Dr., the family met their lifelong friends and neighbors, the Roddy family, Peggy, John, and their children Jack, Tim, and Erin. The Roddys became an integral part of their lives. Joe was especially touched when Jack and his wife, Pam, asked him to be the godfather to their oldest son, John.
They eventually moved to Niskayuna, N.Y., in 1973, where they continued to raise their six children. The kids kept busy with sports, church and community activities. Family ski trips across the Northeast were among Joe's fondest memories.
In May, 2000, in search of retirement bliss and to chase his dream of being a cowboy, Joe and Carol packed up a Penske truck and moved west to Jackson, Wyo., to join their children Jennifer and Joseph. They quickly embraced the Jackson community. After CarolAnn's passing in 2004, Joe remained active and social. He worked at the Wyoming Inn as a breakfast chef and at The Blue Lion as a pastry chef, jobs that allowed him to meet people from all over the world and form meaningful connections, especially with younger coworkers, whose energy kept his spirit young.
Joe was incredibly proud of his 13 grandchildren. He often said, "I love my own kids dearly, but I'm especially impressed with all of my grandchildren." He lived vicariously through their stories of sports, school, and travel.
In retirement, Joe could often be found at his daughter's restaurant, Miazga's, "holding court," telling his famous stories, talking sports, and solving the world's problems with friends. Joe was especially touched when visitors, many who hadn't seen him in decades, would stop by to share their memories of The Hometown Bakery, and give updates on their own lives. These visits were a true testament to the impact Joe had on those around him.
Joe was a lifelong lover of big band music and an exceptional dancer, especially with CarolAnn as his partner. He found peace in the natural beauty of the Tetons, and was a voracious reader of U.S. history, WWII, and sports. A loyal fan of the New York Football Giants, Yankees, Rangers, and Knicks, Joe was often seen around town with a cigar in his mouth, his signature hat on his head, and his beloved dog, Niles, riding shotgun.
Joe will be remembered as a big-hearted, selfless, and humorous man. His joke-telling was legendary, sometimes laughing so hard he couldn't finish the punchline. He leaves behind a legacy of fantastic stories, love, laughter, and lasting friendships.
Joe was preceded in death by his wife, CarolAnn; his daughter, CarolAnn; and cousin, Jean Junker. He is survived by his five children, Joseph (Alpine, Wyo.), Christopher (Amy) of Ballston Spa, N.Y., Justin (Barbara) of Clifton Park, N.Y., Jennifer of Jackson, Wyo., and Cassandra of Saratoga Springs, N.Y.; 13 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at St. John's Hospital and Sage Living Center.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe's memory, to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, September 12, at 10:30 a.m., at Corpus Christi Church, in Clifton Park, N.Y., in honor of Joe's life.