Joseph Grusetskie Obituary

Joseph Grusetskie, 85, died October 10, 2005 at Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs. He moved to Colorado Springs in 1997 and resided recently at Alterra Wynwood. Previously, he was a long time resident of West Hazleton, PA. Born on February 25, 1920, in Hazleton, PA, to the late John and Margaret (Hopeck), he was preceded in death by his wife Irene (Conrad) in 2000, and brothers Peter, Clarence, Gus, and Stanley, and sister Josephine (Kmiec). Joseph is survived by daughter, Maryann Billington and husband Peter (Colorado Springs); sons: Joseph (Kennewick WA) and Lawrence (Hyde Park, NY); grandsons: Andrew Grusetskie (NY), Alex Billington (PA), and Drew Billington (CO); and sisters: Margaret Apgar (FL), Violet Botsko (NJ), and Marie Pavell (PA); as well as many nieces and nephews. Joseph was raised and worked on the family farm in Pennsylvania and graduated from Black Creek Township High School. After marriage to Irene Conrad on June 26, 1943, he joined Pennsylvania Power and Light where he worked as a lineman and then safety trainer. In West Hazleton, he was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Church and the Holy Name Society, a Grand Knight in the Fraternal Order of the Knights of Columbus, and a volunteer for the Blind Association. He volunteered regularly for community activities, blood drives, and fund raisers. In Colorado Springs, Joseph was a member of the Woodmen Valley 55+ senior group in Colorado Springs. He loved children and became known to all as "Grandpa Joe." He will always be remembered for concern for others, as a dapper dresser, and a man of great faith. Visitation will be held in Colorado Springs at Swan Law Funeral Directors, 501 N. Cascade Avenue on Thursday October 13th from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. followed by a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel. In West Hazleton, PA, funeral arrangements will be handled by the Hilary Bonin Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be held on 9:30 a.m. Monday, October 17th at St. Francis of Assisi Church in West Hazleton. Burial will follow at the Calvary Cemetery, Drums, PA. A Memorial Celebration will be conducted at Alterra Wynwood Assisted Living Center (corner of Vickers and Union) in Colorado Springs at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 21st. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Silver Key Senior Services, c/o Tracy, 2250 Botts Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80904.