Joseph Clyde Orchowski, Sr., age 72, of Elkland, PA passed away Sunday, January 15, 2023, at his home shortly after a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

He was born in Wellsboro, PA on August 31, 1950, along with his twin brother, John Orchowski. He was the son of Stanley & Caroline (Heitzenrater) Orchowski. Joe was born and raised in Elkland, PA and graduated from Elkland High School in 1969, where he was a multi-sport athlete playing soccer, basketball and baseball. His skill in soccer led him to a college scholarship but he decided to enter the United States Air Force in 1969, serving for 4 years.

Shortly after, he met his loving wife, Rhonda E (Wilson) whom he married on August 3, 1974. The two would spend the next 48 years together. Joseph was employed at Ingersoll/Dresser Rand for 43 years, working as a Warehouse Coordinator, retiring in 2012. He had three loving children, daughters Jennifer Chaffee and Heather Casterline, and son Joseph Orchowski, Jr.

Joe (Bubba) was a man of many hobbies. In 1974, Joe organized a fast-pitch softball team Cold Springs. He was the catcher for various teams for 25 years and his fondest softball memory was defeating the Elkland Merchants.

He was an avid fisherman, hunter, and trapper sharing the love of the sports with his father, uncles, brothers, wife, children and many great friends. His fishing partner, Joey, won many tournaments in the CV and Tioga Bass Leagues. Joe did not only enjoy outdoor sports, but he also enjoyed the lifelong sport of bowling. He bowled two nights a week with great friends and family. Joe raced at Woodhull Raceway for twenty-two years, sharing the love of racing with his twin brother and girls who raced powder puff. Joe is still spoken of at Woodhull and is remembered as 00 Joe, the Flying Irishman.

He was a lifetime member of the Elkland Moose, as well as the CV Rod & Gun Club, member of Addison Eagles Club, Penn-York Bow Association, .22 Rim Fire League, BASS and an NRA member. Joe had a kind spirit and loved to laugh. Joe is remembered as being a true friend to his siblings and anyone who knew him. Everyone “loved” Bubba and he loved them.

After retirement, Joe worked alongside his son and John at Joey’s Contracting for eight years. Joe voluntarily mowed many lawns in the neighborhood and at the Rod and Gun Club. He also attended the Woodhull races every Saturday with his twin brother, friends and family. He even bowled after his diagnoses until he was unable to do so. He was courageous and comforting to his family until the end.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Uncle Joe Matis and Great Granddaughter Teagan Flynn (2022).

He is survived by his wife Rhonda (Wilson) Orchowski- Elkland, PA, daughters Jennifer (Chris) Chaffee- Livonia, NY and Heather (Scott) Casterline- Lindley, NY, son Joey (Jean) Orchowski- Elkland, PA, 12 grandchildren Chelsea (Vaughn) Johnson, Arielle Falcon (Hassan) Elbouchti, Elizabeth (Jacob) Crider, Crystal (Rylan) Sigg, Trevor Chaffee, Matt Falcon (NAVY, WA, proud grandpa), Logan Chaffee, Lindsay & Sydney Casterline, Lisa (Casey) Pavlick, Todd (Jaqueline) Cook, Sammantha (Brandon) Flynn, 7 great grandchildren Erik & Kora (Johnson), Cooper & Brinkley (Pavlick), Riley & Eva (Cook), and Addisyn (Flynn).

He is also survived by his siblings, Stanley (Butch & Mary Ellen) Orchowski- Mansfield, PA, Cathy (Charlie) Short- Horseheads, NY, John (Flossie) Orchowski- Elkland, PA, Andrew (Dood & Debbie) Orchowski- Elkland, PA, many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Family will receive friends at Kenyon Funeral Home, 214 W. Main St., Elkland on Friday, 6:00 – 8:00 PM and on Saturday, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM.  A funeral service will be held immediately following at 1:00 PM with Pastor Ed Siddle officiating.  Burial with Military Honors will be held at Highland Cemetery. 

At Joe’s request, in lieu of flowers, please help donate to one of the CV Anglers Club/Kids’ Fishing Derby, Tackle Shack Annual Kid’s Fishing Derby or Crystal Lanes Youth Bowling in memory of Joseph Orchowski. The family would like to specifically send thanks to our devoted family, friends, Falck Cancer Center and Arnot Health. To send an online condolence please visit www.kenyonfuneralhome.com