Joseph George Kolodziej Sr.

The service may be viewed at servicewebcast.com. The service password is Joseph0956. The virtual room will open 15 minutes prior to the scheduled service start time. Please note that the start of the live webcast will begin when the actual service begins.

Joseph George Kolodziej

1939-2021

In the fall of 1939 Joseph and Eleanor Kolodziej prepared for the arrival of Joseph in Long Branch, New Jersey. What they would not know is that Joe would make a grand entrance with a twin brother Paul.

From that point on everything “Joe” did would be on a grand scale, with purpose, and with others in mind.

At a young age Joe expressed enthusiasm and a genuine interest in anything mechanical. He started driving anything with wheels and a motor. If it didn’t run, he made it run.

At the age of 12 Joe left school to help provide for the family. To listen to his experiences on how he accomplished his different jobs, perfectly put into perspective why Joe never shied away from hard work, had determination, and was so accomplished.

In 1957 Joe met and courted his beautiful wife Priscilla. In 1961 they welcomed their son Joseph Jr and 1965 daughter Jackie Lyn into their family. As an example of Joe’s commitment to family, he and Priscilla celebrated 62 years of marriage in 2020.

In 1967 without any hesitation Joe saw what was happening in the world and knew he needed to be part of the solution. Leaving his business behind he joined the United States Navy as a “Seabee”, serving 3 tours in Vietnam. When returning home, he remained again committed to the countries needs by serving in the reserves.

When it came to helping others, Joe was always found in the center of the cause. Joe expressed his love and passion for friends, first responders, fellow towers, and community in everything he did.

In 1977 Joe assisted in establishing the Professional Wrecker Operators of Florida Association, and served as a board member for more than two decades.

On May 9, 1980 Joe dispatched himself to the fallen Skyway bridge where he was quick to tie himself off, walking out to a single car which was positioned on a broken span of the bridge, aiding the driver to safety.

Joe always looked forward to attending his Thursday lunch meeting with his friends in the Rotary club. Hours before the meeting Joe could be seen organizing his dollars which he knew he would donate to whatever cause the group was attending too.

Joe has been recognized as a strong community leader and supporter to our first responders. He received the “Citizen of the Year” and “Distinguished Citizen” awards from the Elks Club, and “Citizen of the Year” from the City of Pinellas Park. He has received the “Key to the City” from the City of Pinellas Park. He also received the “Life Time Achievement” award from N.A.V.R.A. (North America Vehicle Rescue Association). He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce.

He was a founding member of the T.R.A.A. (Towing and Recovery Association of America) and has always been involved in children’s fundraisers and various charities, including the homeless.

In 2013 Joe was inducted into the International Towing Museum Hall of Fame in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This prestige’s honor made him the 291st person from around the world to receive such recognition. Today his picture remains on display in Chattanooga Tennessee.

Joe’s strong commitment and tenacity in the business world is clearly displayed at his family owned and operated businesses “Joes Towing and Recovery” and “Tri J Towing and Recovery”. Today the family celebrates over 50 years in business.

Joe certainly leaves behind his indelible mark in everything he came in contact with. He will remain close in our hearts and mind, never to fade from our memories.

Joe is Survived by Wife, Priscilla of 62 years; Children, Son, Joseph "JR" (Melissa) Kolodziej, and Daughter, Jackie (Kevin) Riley; Grandchildren, Kristina Kolodziej, Sable (Shawn) Fennell, and Kayla Kolodziej; Great Grandchildren, Kylie Kolodziej, Kariana Kolodziej, Kaden Kolodziej and Porter Fennell.