Obituary of Joseph Januszkiewicz

Joseph Januszkiewicz, of State College, PA, died May 18, 2023, at the age of 100.

Born on September 13, 1922, in New Castle, PA, he was the youngest son of Polish immigrants Szymon and Amelia. He spent his early years in Ellwood City, and graduated from Lincoln High School in May 1941.

He was one of four siblings, three of whom served in the US Army. At the start of WWII, he enlisted in the Army and tested into the officer training program at Penn State University. He went on to serve in the US Army's 95th Infantry Division, Cannon Company. As part of the European Theatre of Operations, he bravely fought in ground combat.

His efforts earned the Combat Infantry Badge, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, Bronze Star Medal, the ETO Campaign Medal with 4 Bronze Stars, and the French Liberation Medal. Most recently, he received the Medal of Metz and the French Legion Honor, one of the French Government's highest awards, for his role in liberating Metz. Despite his accomplishments, he was very humble about his time in the military and the honors he received.

After the war, he met and married the love of his life, Josephine Alexander, while completing a B.S. degree in engineering from Penn State University. He then earned a law degree from the Dickenson School of Law. After 4 decades of practicing law, he retired to pursue researching and writing the untold stories of his division, the "Iron Men of Metz." His book, The Battles of George S. Patton's Lowest Ranks, was first published in 1996.

A devout family man, Joe enjoyed photography and the outdoors. But his priority was always family.

Joe is preceded in death by his wife Josephine; his siblings, Stanley, Walter and Helen (Kuczmarski); and his son Joseph Szymon. He is survived by their children Kim (Frank Kowalczyk), Walter (Rhonda), Jean (Dan Batryn), Susan Blake, Michael (Lori), and Margie (Howard Dash).

In addition he leaves 22 grandchildren: Tanya (Michael Chang), Kelly (Paul Fritzsche), and LTC (Ret., USN) Chris (Moriah) Kowalczyk; Samantha (Ian Blankenberger), Joseph Kyle (Lisa), and Alexander Januszkiewicz; Matthew (Valerie), Michael, Jennifer, and Keith Batryn; Kyle, Britta (Greg Dziubz), and Eric Januszkiewicz; Liz, Becky (Kosta Patsiopoulos), Kaitie, and Hannah Hughes; Joshua, Corey, Glen, Alyssa, and Jamie Dash; as well as 8 great-grandchildren: Kristen, Ken, and Kevin Chang; Kyle and Kaitlyn Fritzsche; Kiersten and Viking Kowalczyk; and Phoebe Januszkiewicz.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 pm, on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 South Atherton Street, State College. The funeral service will be held at 10 am on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at the funeral home, with Father George Jakopac officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Hall Cemetery.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to 95th Division Legacy Association, PO Box 1113, Oklahoma City, OK 73101, or Gabriel Project/OLV, c/o Betty Gummo, Our Lady of Victory Church, 820 Westerly Parkway, State College, PA 16801.

Special thanks go to Grane Hospice, whose staff provided exemplary loving care and assistance.