Joseph James Wolczyk

Joseph James Wolczyk, 88, began his peaceful journey home at Wilson Health Care Center on the campus of Asbury Methodist Village on Thursday, January 11, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.

A beloved Brother, Uncle, Godfather and Great Godfather, Joe was born to Mary and John Wolczyk on November 3, 1935, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

Growing up in the Miners Mills section of Wilkes-Barre, Joe was a member of Saint Joseph’s Church in Hudson, PA, where he also attended Elementary School. Joseph graduated from Coughlin High School, Wilkes-Barre in 1954.

Joe began his military career on December 21, 1953, when he enlisted in the United States Navy. He was honorably discharged on December 6, 1955, and the following day, December 7, 1955, Joe enlisted in the United States Air Force, active duty. Prior to being honorably discharged on December 20, 1961, Joe trained at Lackland Air base, served at Clark Air Base in the Philippines, was stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas until March 1956, then transferred to Continental Air Command, Mitchell Air Base, Long Island, New York. Mr. Wolczyk received the Good Conduct Medal when honorably discharged and worked in the Computer Technology Sciences Division throughout his military career.

After returning to civilian life, Joe settled in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, residing in Bethesda, Maryland and studying Computer Science & Technology along with Real Estate at Montgomery College, attaining his degree in 1979.

Joe was employed as an Information Systems Computer Analyst at Marriott Corporation for over 27 years. Later, Joe took a Computer Programming position with the American Psychological Association in Washington, D.C., remaining there for over 10 years until retiring in 2001.

After his retirement, Joe then moved to the Asbury Methodist Village in Gaithersburg, Maryland where he cultivated so many new relationships and lasting friendships while residing at “Trott”.

Joe was engaged to his best friend and the love of his life, Barbara Fickes Shryock of Newport, PA & Bethesda, MD, for many years until Barbara’s passing in 2004. Joseph was preceded in death by his loving parents, Mary & John, his brothers, sisters,and in-laws: Frank(Legs) & Helen Wolchik, Johanna & Frank(Newt) Barrett, Anna & Joe Sindelar, John(Red) & Helen Wolczyk, Theresa & Bill Cronauer, MaryAnn(Mina) & Jake Armillei, and Bernice Sushinsky. Nephews Barry Wolchik, David Armillei & Joey Cronauer also preceded Joe in death. Surviving are brother-in-law, John Sushinsky, several loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, family and friends.

Joe enjoyed golfing and competing with his brothers each year for the “Wolczyk Family Trophy”. Joe also liked skiing and traveling throughout the United States in his early years.

Joseph J. Wolczyk was honored on December 14, 2023, by Montgomery and Prince George’s Hospice at Wilson Health Care facility with a Pinning Ceremony for his military service to our country. Captain Gipson of the United States Navy presented Joe with a "We Honor Veterans" pin, a star from a retired American flag, an Americana blanket along with a certificate paying special tribute to Joe's military service.

Uncle Joe will be tremendously missed by all who knew and loved him, both family and friends alike. We so admired our Uncle Joe, who was proud to be referred to by family as “D.C. Joe”.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all in the Asbury Methodist Village family who showed our Uncle Joe the friendship and compassion that he so appreciated and greatly deserved during his entire time living in this close knit, caring community. We would also like to acknowledge the true compassion and care provided by Tenneh, Elizabeth, Priscilla, Comfort, Ingres, Regina, Olga, Melvin, Irish, Martha and the entire Wilson Health Care Team along with Nancy, WaWa, Brandon, Ethan, Jane, Jackie and so many other caring souls from the Montgomery and Prince George’s Hospice. We will never forget their sincere kindness.

A Funeral service will be held with the date to be announced later this year at the chapel on the property of the Asbury Methodist Village, Gaithersburg, Maryland. Afterwards, Uncle Joe Wolczyk will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.