Joseph D. Szymanski, 85, of Rasselas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Synder Memorial Health Care in Marienville following a lengthy illness.

He was born on February 6, 1941 in Ridgway, PA, a son of the late Alex and Anna Koneski Szymanski.

On November 5, 1966, in Rasselas, PA, he married Nancy Lazzo Szymanski, who survives. Together they shared nearly 60 years of love and laughter.

Joe was a graduate of Johnsonburg High School and went on to earn his degree in mechanical engineering from Gannon University. A proud and devoted patriot, he served his country for more than 20 years in the United States Army, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During his military career, he also served as commander of the United States Army Reserve unit in St. Marys. Joe later retired from Stackpole Carbon Company after many years as a mechanical engineer, a career well suited to his sharp mind, strong work ethic, and natural ability to understand how things worked. He was always happiest when he was working with his hands, whether woodworking, tending his garden, canning what he grew, or helping both his sons build their businesses. Over the years, Joe enjoyed collecting Winchester firearms, attending auctions, admiring Corvettes, enjoying Tennessee Walking Horses and raising Brittany Spaniels.  Joe also enjoyed time spent time outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. For more than 15 years, he and his wife looked forward to escaping the Pennsylvania winters and snowbirding in Fort Myers. Yet, for all of his accomplishments and interests, some of Joe’s greatest joys were found in life’s simplest moments-a good cup of coffee, a worthwhile project, time spent with family, and especially the treasured moments he shared with his great-grandchildren. Joe lived a full and accomplished life, leaving behind a legacy of service, hard work, craftsmanship, devotion to family, and countless memories that will be cherished for generations.

In addition to his wife, Nancy, of 59 years, he is survived by two sons; Jesse (Sally) Szymanski of St. Marys and David Szymanski of Punxsutawney; and by four grandchildren; Laurel Syzmanski, Lacie (Tom) Goetz, Libby (Bryce) Bowser, and Logan Schloder, and by his beloved great-grandchildren; Isaac, Brynnlee, Wyatt, Arlow, Ridge, and was anticipating the birth of another great-grandchild.
He is also survived by two siblings; Robert (Diane) Szymanski of Rasselas and Annie Szymanski of Warren, as well as by numerous nieces and nephews and a brother-in-law, John Lazzo of South Carolina.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Joseph D. Szymanski will be celebrated on Monday, September 14, 2026 at 12:00 PM at St. Marys Church, 315 Church Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 with Fr. Ignatius Camello as celebrant.
Military Honors will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail.

Burial will follow in the St. Marys Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home on Monday, September 14, 2026 from 10:30 AM until 11:30 AM.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, The Parkinson’s Foundation, or to a charity of choice.

Lynch-Green Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 151 N. Michael Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefamilyfuneralhomes.com

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