Irvin J. “Irv” Ostroskie, 97, a resident of Swoyersville, passed into eternal life on Thursday evening, December 23, 2021, at the Highland Manor Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Exeter, where he was recently a guest.

His beloved wife was the late Margaret D. (Chorba) Ostroskie, who passed away on September 18, 1985. Irvin and Margaret were blessed to share 36 wonderful years of marriage.

Born on May 08, 1924, in Swoyersville, Irvin was one of four sons born to the late Michael and Anna (Barry) Ostroskie. Raised in Swoyersville, Irv attended the former Swoyersville High School.

A United States Army Air Force veteran, Irv honorably served his country for nearly three years during World War II with the 480^th Service Squadron of the 59^th Air Service Group. During his time of service, he was decorated with the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal with four Bronze Stars; the Philippine Liberation Medal with one Bronze Star; the World War II Victory Medal; and the Good Conduct Medal. Upon his honorable discharge on January 12, 1946, he attained the rank of Sergeant.

Following his honorable discharge from military service, Irv went on to learn the trade of welding at the Sun Shipbuilding and Drydock Company, Chester. Eventually returning to Swoyersville, he went on to become employed as a welder for Sordoni Construction Services Inc., Forty Fort, working there for over 20 years. Later, he went on to work as a television repair man for the former Boston Store, Wilkes-Barre, retiring from there.

Irv was a faithful Catholic and a lifelong member of the former Holy Trinity Church, Swoyersville, where he held membership with its Holy Name Society, and served for many years as an usher. Following the consolidation of his church, he became a member of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Swoyersville.

A proud veteran, Irv was a life-member of the American Legion, Andrew Lawrence Post 644, Swoyersville.

Irv was an avid bowler throughout his life, having the distinction of bowling a perfect game, and also bowling a 7-10 split which broke a pin; and it was that broken pin that served as his greatest trophy! He was also instrumental in establishing the bowling alley at the former Holy Trinity School, Swoyersville.

“Tinkering”, as Irv called it, was his hobby, and he was known to be able to fix just about anything. Easy going and gentle, Irv always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone he encountered. Irv will forever be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, dad, gramp (as many called him), and great-grandpa. Although his presence will be deeply missed, there is much joy in knowing he is reunited in Heaven with his beloved wife, Margaret, and all his loved ones who have gone before him.

In addition to his parents, Michael and Anna, and his wife, Margaret, Irv was preceded in death by his three brothers, Raymond, Gerald, and Roland Ostroskie; and his son-in-law, John P. Sambo, who passed away on May 16, 2020.

Irv is survived by his three children, Maureen Sambo, Swoyersville; Bob Ostroskie, Swoyersville; and Diane Dempsey and her husband, George, Mount Pocono; his eight grandchildren, Jack (Kim) Sambo; Bob (Missy) Ostroskie; Amy Ostroskie; Erik Ostroskie; Amber Fritz; Jeremy (Amy) Toma; Christopher (Melissa) Toma; and Stephen Mesaros; his nine great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Anna Mae Chorba Venetz, Swoyersville; as well as generations of nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff at the Highland Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Exeter, most especially the Station B nurses, for the outstanding, compassionate care given to their dad, gramp, and great-grandpa this past year – you all made him feel as if he was in his own home!

Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to Irv’s viewing which will be held on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, at the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, December 30, 2021, at 10:00 AM in Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 116 Hughes Street, Swoyersville, with the Reverend Joseph J. Pisaneschi, his Pastor, officiating. Friends are asked to assemble directly at the church Thursday morning.

Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Cemetery, Swoyersville, where Military Honors will be accorded by the United States Army.

For additional information or to send Mr. Ostroskie’s family an online message of condolence, you may visit the funeral home’s website, www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com, or Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Irv’s memory to Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 116 Hughes Street, Swoyersville, Pennsylvania 18704.