Obituaries

Obituary: Joseph F. Kolenda Jr., 88, Of Fairfield

He worked for Perkin Elmer Co. for 25 years but his most gratifying job was being a Crossing Guard for Holland Hill & Osborne Hill Schools.

From Lesko & Polke Funeral Home

Joseph F. Kolenda Jr., (also known as "Slim "), 88, of Fairfield, devoted husband of the late Catherine Nemesky Kolenda, passed away on Monday, April 23, 2018.

Born in Jermyn, PA, son of the late Joseph F. Kolenda Sr and Mary Kolenda, Mr. Kolenda was a Fairfield Town resident for most of his life. He was a Veteran of the United States Army. He had worked for the Perkin Elmer Co. for 25 years but his most gratifying job was being a Crossing Guard for Holland Hill and Osborne Hill Schools until his retirement five years ago.

Find out what's happening in Fairfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Slim was an avid duck pin bowler and enjoyed gardening and was proud of his flowers, vegetables and gigantic pumpkins. His most enjoyable pastime was being a huge supporter of his two grandsons’ sports teams where he never missed a game.

He is survived by his daughter and caregiver of the last 3 1/2 years, Karen Kolenda and her husband Patrick Gregory, a son Joseph J. Kolenda all of Fairfield, his grandsons Michael Luger Schoelch and his wife Laura Musano of NYC and their 6 week old daughter Abigail and Christopher Joseph Schoelch, his right-hand man of Denver, CO. He leaves behind his special niece Kathy Czapla and her husband Bruce of Fairfield as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to Catherine, his loving wife of 60 years he was predeceased by his brother Chester.

Find out what's happening in Fairfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The Kolenda family would like to thank Carolton Outpatient Rehab (Leigh and Mel) staff for their support and care in the past year.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Lesko & Polke Funeral Home here.

Image via Shutterstock

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.