Joseph M. Olejnick, 87, a resident of Kingston and formerly of Swoyersville, passed into eternal life on Wednesday afternoon, September 02, 2026, at Allied Services Hospice Center, Wilkes-Barre.

Born on April 05, 1939, in Swoyersville, Joseph was one of four children born to the late Vincent Olejnick and Helen Harzinski Olejnick.

Residing in Swoyersville most of his life, Joe was a graduate of the former Swoyersville High School, Class of 1957, and, being a standout member of its football team, he received a full athletic scholarship to the University of North Carolina. Later, he went on to play semi-professional football with the Hazleton Mustangs.

Enlisting with the United States Navy in 1959, Joe honorably served his country for three years, most notably during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

A well-known masonry contractor, Joe began his career in masonry with his former father-in-law, Raymond Pisaneschi, working alongside him until his passing when he took over the business and began operating it under the name J.M. Olejnick Concrete and Masonry Construction, Swoyersville. In recent years, he turned the business operation over to his son and grandson.

Joe was known for his low-key demeanor and his lifelong love of sports, especially football and basketball. Above all, he was known for his great love of family and was happiest spending time with his loved ones, especially his grandson and great-grandson.

In addition to his parents, Vincent and Helen, Joe was preceded in death by his brothers, Vincent Olejnick and David Olejnick.

Left to cherish his memory are his son, Joseph M. Olejnick Jr. and his companion, Denise Tracy, Swoyersville; his grandson, Joseph M. Olejnick III, West Wyoming; his great-grandson, Joseph M. Olejnick IV; his sister, Mary Robinson, Berwick; as well as his nieces and nephews.

A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Swoyersville, followed by burial in Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Swoyersville, where Military Honors will be accorded by the United States Navy.

The Olejnick family entrusted Joe’s funeral arrangements to the care of the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort.

To share a memory of Joe or message of condolence with his family, you may visit the funeral home website, www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com, or Facebook page.

Memorial contributions may be made in Joe’s memory to Allied Services Hospice by visiting www.allied-services.org/giving/make-a-donation.

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Joseph M. Olejnick, please visit our Tribute Store.