Obituary of Joseph J. Lamenskie

Mr. Joseph J. Lamenskie, 93, formerly of 614 E. Walnut St. Titusville, died Tuesday evening August 23, 2011 at Southwoods Assisted Living Community where he had resided for the past six years. Mr. Lamenskie was born on November 26, 1917 at East Titusville, a son of the late Jacob and Olive Strawbridge Lamenskie. He was first married to Hildur Swanson on Feb. 14, 1952 in Titusville. She preceded him in death on April 23, 1972. He later married Erma Green on June 16, 1976 at St. Titus Church. She preceded him in death on Jan. 31, 2003. Joe was a graduate of Titusville High School, class of 1935. He was a veteran of World War II having served in the US Army from 1941 to 1945. He served as a medic and was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant. Joe was self-employed as a local realtor for 26 years. He was past president of the National Association of Realtors in 1963. He was awarded Realtor of the Year in 1975 for the Franklin, Oil City and Titusville communities. He received the Community Health Services Recognition Award in 1986; and the 2000 Founders Award of the Catholic Medical Mission Board. He was an AARP charter member of the former Titusville Chapter 2511. He organized the Titusville Food Bank. Joe was the first donor to the Titusville Alumni Association. The Joseph and Erma Lamenskie Scholarship Fund was established by them for further education. He was a lifelong member of St. Titus Church where he served 75 years as an usher. He also served as a greeter, altar server, member of the Parish Council, and on the Activities Committee. He was a member of the Cleo J. Ross Post No. 368 American Legion; a member of the BPO Elks No. 264 where he was an honorary and life member as well as Past Exalted Ruler from 1950-1951; and a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 492 where he was a 3rd degree lifetime member. He was also a board member of the Titusville Municipal Water Authority. Mr. Lamenskie was the proud proprietor of Uncle Joe’s Water. He enjoyed gardening, walking, and reciting the Rosary. He is survived by two sisters, Margaret Lamenskie of Titusville and Addie Butcher of North Royalton, OH; a sister-in-law, Elizabeth A. Green of Titusville; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wives, he was preceded in death by a sister, Anna Fiely; three brothers, James, John, and Robert Lamenskie, and an infant brother. Friends may call at the Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home today (Thursday) from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM. A vigil service will be conducted today at 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Members of the BPO Elks No. 264 will conduct a service this evening at 6:45 PM at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10:00 AM at St. Titus Church with Fr. Walter E. Packard, pastor of the Titusville Catholic Community, and Fr. D. G. Davis III, as concelebrants. Interment will be in St. Catharines Cemetery with full military rites. The family asks that memorials be made to the St. Titus Endowment Fund, or to Hospice of Crawford County 310 N. Monroe St. Titusville, or to the charity of one’s choice. FLOWERS