Joseph David Ziemba

1947 - 2022

Joseph (Joe) David Ziemba, 75, a lifelong resident of Old Forge, died Thursday evening at the VA Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre, after an illness. He is survived by his loving wife, Irene (Dudeck) Ziemba. Married on May 23, 1970, the couple was married for 52 years.

Born in Old Forge on Jan. 30, 1947, son of the late Chester J. and Shirley Tompkins Ziemba, Joe was a graduate of Old Forge High School, class of 1964. Upon graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. Upon his honorable discharge he returned home and began raising a family. Throughout his career he held several jobs in construction before his retirement from Community Medical Center after 15 years of employment.

Joe loved being outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who always enjoyed his Canadian fishing trips. He could often be found spending time at his brother's garage with the "Ziemba family social club" (including fixtures, his brother, Lenny, brother-in-law, J.R., and nephews, Butchie and Jamie) or simply playing cards with his five grandchildren whom he absolutely adored. Above all else, he'll be remembered as a great man who loved his family.

He is also survived by loving family including his children, Tracy Muth and husband, James, Taylor; and Joseph Ziemba Jr. and wife, Yvonne, Old Forge; his five grandchildren who adored their "G-Pa," Samantha, Jimmy, Kimberly, Joshua and Jenna; his brothers, Leonard Ziemba, Old Forge; and Robert Ziemba, Arizona; and many nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by his brother, Chester "Cookie" Ziemba.

His family wished to thank the amazing staff of the VA's ICU and hospice unit as well as the Dudeck family for their care, compassion and love throughout a difficult time.

A celebration of Joe's life will be Monday, July 25, at noon in the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 517 N. Main St., Old Forge, with burial at St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Old Forge, to follow. Military honors will be conducted by the AMVETS Honor Guard.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at the funeral home July 25 from 10 a.m. until services. Please visit the funeral home's website fir directions or to leave a condolence.