Joe Kolezynski
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letter From Tom Begley (June 3, 2017):
I have attached a photo of Joe from our 50th Class Reunion. It really captures how we remember Joe...always smiling, always happy. Joe enjoyed life. You asked me to recount my recent conversations with Joe. The conversations with Joe were always fast paced and full of a lot of memories about his life. So it makes my ability to recall everything we discussed challenging. On April 22nd we talked about the upcoming 55th reunion. The discussion recounted a lot about our 50th reunion and what a great time it was. He shared with me that in 1992 due to cancer he had one lung removed. Due to the cancer his immune system was not very strong. As a result he needed to be careful about stress and it made travel challenging. He said he would "play it by ear" as to whether he could make it. He did relate an interesting story about the Irish mobster Danny Green. His dad was a step brother to Danny. And Joe's uncle hated Danny. We agreed his uncle's hatred had lots of company particularly among the Italian mafia. My last conversation was on April 5th. Joe had just been released from the hospital where he had spent 12 days due to pneumonia. |
As he related, he was in a very precarious position for someone with one lung. He was struggling. It was apparent that his energy level was low. Despite the struggle he was still in a good mood. He did indicate it was his intention to be at the 55th reunion. We agreed to stay in touch. We also agreed to try and catch lunch if I was going to be in the Orlando area. He indicated that I had been to his house and if I wanted to stay over he had a bedroom for me. I intended to get to Orlando but never made it. I regret missing the opportunity to have seen Joe again.
The passing of both Steve Hogan and Joe is a powerful reminder that we are losing classmates which make opportunities like the reunion in September something special. Collectively we need to take advantage of the opportunity to attend, share memories and enjoy the camaraderie.
May God bless both Steve and Joe and provide comfort to their families.
Tom
The passing of both Steve Hogan and Joe is a powerful reminder that we are losing classmates which make opportunities like the reunion in September something special. Collectively we need to take advantage of the opportunity to attend, share memories and enjoy the camaraderie.
May God bless both Steve and Joe and provide comfort to their families.
Tom