Obituary of Joseph Zimbicki

Zimbicki Joseph Age 102, of Scott Twp., on November 26, 2020. Beloved husband of the late Alma David Zimbicki, loving father of the late Beverly (James) Senchak and Rebecca (Blaine) Hurst and, grandfather of Julie (Ceri Morgan) Senchak, Janie (David) Hunley, Joseph Senchak and David Hurst, great-grandfather of Luke, Tessa and Max Hunley, and brother of five sisters and four brothers, who have preceded him in death, Stanley, Alice Wittas, Mary Morieka, Jane “Babe” Sypien, Stella Zarick, Michael, George, Ed, and Rose Haight. He was also survived by many nieces and nephews. Joe, a member of the Greatest Generation, lived an extraordinary life, impacting so many. He was the oldest of 10 children born to Polish immigrants, Veronica Kondracka and Peter Ziembicki. He grew up in Heidelberg and attended St. Ignatius and Heidelberg public schools through eighth grade. He began working at a young age to support his nine brothers and sisters. When he was 16, he joined and spent two years working in the Civilian Conservation Corps. Joe said being shipped off to the CCC camp was his salvation. He “loved it out there, loved it in the woods and the mountains.” Joe was a proud and decorated veteran of WWII. He was drafted in 1941 and landed at Utah Beach in June 1944, two days after D-Day. He was struck by German machine gun fire, recovered in London and was sent back to the front, where he was wounded by shrapnel. While recovering, he was placed in a military police unit guarding Gen. Patton’s plane. Joe served four years in the United States Army during World War II and was on duty in Germany at the end of World War II for the surrender. He has been interviewed by Pittsburgh TV and press several times, highlighting his service to his country. Joe joined the Bower Hill Volunteer Fire Department In 1965 and was its oldest life member. He was an active member of Carnegie Presbyterian Church (formerly First Presbyterian Church of Carnegie), an avid gardener well into his 90’s, a member of the Veterans Breakfast Club, and a dedicated participant at the St. Clair Hospital Cardiac Rehab. Joe was known for his welcoming hospitality, jolly ho-ho-ho greeting at Christmas time, and his dedication to health and well-being. None of his jobs were more important than his family. Joe was the family patriarch, encouraging everyone with his positive approach to life. Through his humble service and sacrifice, his family thrived. His friends became even stronger. Even though Joe wasn’t born with much, he realized fighting for freedom and the American dream, not just for himself but for his family and friends, was priceless. Mission Accomplished. A virtual memorial service by Carnegie Presbyterian Church will be held Saturday, December 5, 2020 at 11 a.m. Please email JoeZimbickiFuneral@gmail.com to attend. A celebration of life party will be held at a future date. Arrangements by Warchol Funeral Home, Inc., 3060 Washington Pike, Bridgeville (412-221-3333). In lieu of flowers, Joe requested donations be made to the Bower Hill Volunteer Fire Department, 161 Vanadium Road, Bridgeville, PA 15017, http://www.bowerhillfire.com/.