Joe and I were 14, newly arrived at prep school, when we found that, due to an accident of alphabetical proximity, we were destined to sit side by side in morning assembly for the next four years.  We spent two of those years as roommates.  Then we parted ways.

Our yearbook’s Chmelynski entry suggests his aptitude for math.  (As I recall, he got perfect 800’s on his math SAT’s and perfect 5’s on all his A.P. exams in the sciences.)

We saw each other infrequently after graduation.  A week in the mountains in 1971, a few days together in 1973, a day  in Orlando too many years after that.  But we kept each other apprised of the important things in life.  Which is to say, I never heard a word from him about his work, or about how much money he made, or about things he’d accomplished.  My “Joe Chmelynski” file has some Christmas cards in it, but there are only two actual letters.  The first, enclosing an invitation to his wedding, informed me that “Carol and I met last August and I was smitten…  In her I found the one thing I had been lacking in an otherwise happy life, a focal point – the axis my world turns on.”  

(Note that he described his bride in mathematical terms!)

The second was written three weeks after the wedding.  “The wedding went like clockwork,” he reported.  “I wasn’t near as nervous as I expected to be.  John and Paul acted the part well.  It was a successful mob wedding, minus the machine guns.  I feel like married life will suit me fine.  Between Carol and the kids, many new avenues of awareness have opened up for me.”

From what I saw of him and Carol that day in Orlando, and from all that I heard from him since, he had indeed been smitten.  And many new avenues of awareness had opened up for him.  And what could be more important than that?


Joe was one of the most loyal & best friend I ever had. From working with him at the Pgh BMC to playing softball with the WHO ball team. Favorite thing about him was his knowledge of world.  Many times we laughed till we cried when he ‘d start talking about his crazy adventures while traveling. We will miss his sense of humor and caring personality. Our heartfelt condolences to his soulmate Carol, who complimented Joe so well. 

We had so many memories Joe too many to name them all but a couple stand out that I will never forget. Riding the waves on the beaches up and down the east coast, rafting down the Clarion River, hitchhiking to Cook’s Forest and camping with your good friend Joe Carvin  in  the Park ( I remember vividly the night Carvin tried to capture the raccoon with a hotdog in the garbage can while staying at the cabins - what fun we had ).  Also the fishing without the license when we got caught there and the trout was laid out as evidence just ready to be eaten when we went to pay the fine.

Good times Joe 
I love you !!!
John

Carol and family,
The members of Norwood Herrington Chapter #356 Order of the Eastern Star want to extend our deepest sympathy on your loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of need. Please contact us if we can be of assistance.

Sandra Voegler
Secretary

To the ones that loved Joe , I am sorry for your loss and pray for your comfort in the  times ahead.  This is especially saddening for me since, on Sunday May 20,  we (the Exeter class of 1968) finished our 50th reunion in New Hampshire where we  thought a lot about our classmates who had gone on to the other side before us.   Joe now is among them.   I hope the days ahead are filled with vibrant memories for you all.  

Bill Bennett


Carol Chmelynski

Harry (Sue) Chmelynski

Paul (Donna) and John (Linda) Chmelynski

Gene (Christine) Kriberney III

Annette (Michael) Winkler

Amanda Kriberney, Madison and Mason Winkler

John and Rose Chmelynski

Kraeer Funeral Home and Cremation Center

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Joseph Michael Chmelynski

April 17, 1950 – May 31, 2018

Kraeer Funeral Home and Cremation Center

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