Obituary of Joseph W. Stachowski

Elmira: Age 83, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 8, 2021 at Elcor Health Services, where he resided for the past few years. Joe was born and raised in Elmira a son of Ambrose Leo and Martha (Novitski) Stachowski. He is predeceased by brother Martin Stachowski. Joe is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Connie Nelson Stachowski; children, with their families: Joseph Scott and Marlene Stachowski of Milton GA with their children, Austin and Emily….Alison Marie and Michael Callahan of Madison AL with their daughters, Taryn (Tom) Gorman and Gillian (Jarett) Myers….Michael Ambrose and Leslie Stachowski of Robbinsville NJ with their children, Chandler and Connor; two great-grandchildren; sister Mary Paula "Mimi" Stachowski of Hickory NC; along with nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Over the years Joe had a special place in his heart for his bassets....nine in all. Joe was a 1955 graduate of Elmira Free Academy. He worked at Chemung Canal Trust Company for 10 years before starting a 34 year career with Dalyrmple Gravel and Contracting Company, retiring in 2002. Over the years Joe was active in various local organizations. He served as president of the local chapter of the American Institute of Banking, was the treasurer for Fire District #1 – Town of Elmira, and served as a board member for the Chemung County Summer Cohesion Program. In local sports Joe was an active basketball referee, serving as president of the International approved Basketball Official Board #68; a commissioner for the Chemung County CYO for over 25 years, player/manager for numerous adult softball teams, and was chairman of the Town of Elmira Recreation Commission. In recognition of his service to the town, a little league field at the town park was named "Joe Stachowski Field". In addition to softball Joe enjoyed bowling and was a "wanna be" golfer. Joe was a long-time communicant of Our Lady of Lourdes Church. He loved his family and the importance of keeping them together. Holidays were always a time for family gatherings, along with any other time he deemed necessary. Joe had a quick wit and sense of humor, always joking that he was in the wrong profession and should have been a comedian. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Joe on Friday, April 16, 2021, 10:30 a.m., St. Mary's Church, 244 Franklin Street, Elmira. A livestream of the Mass will be available through the Facebook page for Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish (https://www.facebook.com/ElmiraCatholic). Interment will follow at St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery. Joe's family sends their sincere appreciation to the staff at Elcor Health Services for the loving care given to Joe and the genuine support given to his family. For those who would like to remember Joe in a special way, please consider a donation to one of the following: The Arctic League, P O Box 113, Elmira NY 14902, West Elmira Volunteer Fire Department, 1299 W. Water Street, Elmira NY 14905, or West Elmira Recreation Department, 1255 W. Water Street, Elmira NY 14905.