Joseph Sieminski, 74, a lifelong resident of Swoyersville, passed into eternal life unexpectedly early Tuesday morning, April 21, 2026, at his home.

Born July 12, 1951, at the family home in Swoyersville, Joseph was one of six children born to the late Casimir “Charles” Sieminski and Elizabeth Stevens Sieminski. He is survived by his loving wife, Debbie Kawalkewicz Sieminski, with whom he shared 50 years of marriage, celebrating their golden anniversary on July 26, 2025.

Joe was a graduate of Wyoming Valley West High School, Class of 1969, where he was a standout football player. He served as team captain during his senior year, earned first-team all-scholastic honors, and received four varsity letters. He also participated in the Unico and Big 33 football games. He went on to attend Temple University on a full Division I athletic scholarship, where he lettered in football for three years and earned his bachelor’s degree in health and education in 1973. He later earned his master’s degree in health education from Penn State Lehman Campus.

Joe dedicated 36 years to the Wyoming Valley West School District as a physical education teacher and department chair. His passion for athletics extended beyond the classroom, where he served as freshman head football coach (’73-’75), assistant varsity football coach (’75-’82), 8th grade girls volleyball coach and 8th grade boys’ basketball coach (’75-’78). He also served as a track and field official for the Wyoming Valley Conference. In 2005, Joe was inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame, John Louis Popple Chapter, for outstanding athletic performance, leadership, and contributions to athletics. He also served his community as a member of the Swoyersville Planning Commission.

Joe loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He treasured time spent with his family at their cabin. He also took great pride in his home and was known for his meticulously maintained lawn.  An avid sports fan, Joe especially enjoyed college athletics and was a devoted supporter of the Penn State Nittany Lions, as well as a loyal fan of the Philadelphia Phillies.

Above all, Joe was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a steadfast protector of his family, always placing their needs before his own. He cherished time spent together, especially during holidays and poolside gatherings. His grandchildren were his greatest joy, and he supported them wholeheartedly in all their activities, especially athletics.  Joe will be remembered as a well-loved man who lived life fully, took great pride in his profession, served his community, and loved his family deeply.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Ann Vincavage, and his brothers Adam, Charles, and Robert Sieminski.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie; his children, Nichole Hampel of Dallas, PA; Katie Connolly and her husband, Ned Jr., of Trinity, FL; and Matthew Sieminski and his wife, Dana, of Flourtown, PA; and eight grandchildren, Cole and Adelyn Hampel; Aurora, Callen, and Torin Connolly; and Rylee, Aubrey, and Wesley Sieminski. He is also survived by his brother, Dr. Louis Sieminski and his wife Libby of Florida, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a memorial visitation which will be held on Monday, April 27, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort.

Family and friends may gather on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 10:30 AM in Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 116 Hughes Street, Swoyersville, for the celebration of Joseph’s Memorial Mass. The Reverend Father John J. Chmil, Pastor, will be the celebrant.

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

The family kindly requests that flowers be omitted and memorial contributions be made in Joe’s memory to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.

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