Joseph B. Kwolek

Joseph B. Kwolek, 89, of Conneaut Lake, died unexpectedly after a short illness, Monday, January 28, 2013, at UPMC Horizon Hospital, Greenville. Mr. Kwolek was born February 6, 1923, near Krosno, Poland, a son of Frank and Helena Kwolek. At the age of 6, he immigrated with his family to the United States, taking 13 days by boat, settling in the Saegertown area. He became a US Citizen on May 28, 1930. He was a 1942 graduate of Turtle Creek High School in Turtle Creek, PA. A US Army veteran of WWII, automotive mechanic 014, participating in campaigns in North Africa, Sicily, Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, Southern France, Rhineland and Central Europe. He received a good conduct medal, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with 6 bronze stars and a bronze arrowhead. Upon completion of his military duty, he worked in Pittsburgh as a structural engineer for Ashbury Welding. On August 28, 1948, he married Evelyn C. Fiola. She preceded him in death on December 3, 2010. He and his wife Evey owned and operated The Anchor Restaurant in Conneaut Lake from 1951 to 1978. Mr. Kwolek was a member of Masonic Lodge #408 F&AM, The Coudersport Consistory, Zem Zem Shrine, Erie, The National Rifle Association, and Cpl. James O. Jordan Post 3374, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Greenville. He was a skilled wood carver, enjoyed music, especially bluegrass, was an avid reader with a great interest in history and American Indian lore. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and driving his 2002 triple black T-Bird. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Stanley Kwolek, and a sister, Jenny Hummel. He is survived by four nieces and three nephews: Cean Schopf of Cambridge Springs; Mickie Morelli of Guys Mills; Helen McCafferty of Matthews, NC; Cheryl Gerhiem of Pittsburgh; David Hummel of Cambridge Springs; Stanley Kwolek of Hanford, CA and Karl Kwolek of Weyers Cave, VA. Friends may call Saturday, from 11am to 2pm at Dickson Funeral Home & Crematory, 130 N. Second Street, Conneaut Lake. The funeral will follow at 2pm with the Rev. Philip A. Torre of the First Assembly of God Church, Meadville. Cremation will follow. Memorials may be made to the Erie Shriners Children's Hospital, c/o Zem Zem Shrine, 2525 West 38th Street, Erie, PA 16506. Please sign the guestbook at www.hatheway-tedesco.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Dickson Funeral Home & Crematory, Rocco R. Tedesco III, Supervisor, 130 N. Second Street, Conneaut Lake.