Joseph M. Deschak
July 03, 1926 - February 20, 2013
Obituary
Joseph M. Deschak was born on July 3, 1926. Joe grew up in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, son of a first generation Polish coal miner. He was an accomplished athlete, playing football and baseball. He served in the United States Navy during World War II, then used his GI Bill to finish college; he eventually earned two Master's Degrees. Joe spent 37 years as an elementary school teacher and principal for the Harford County Public Schools, retiring in 1989. He was much loved for his unfailing integrity and terrific sense of humor – everywhere he went in Harford County he was recognized and remembered fondly by former students and staff members. His lifetime contributions were recognized by his induction into the HCPS Educator Hall of Fame in 2003. Joe was married to the love of his life, Irene, for more than 62 years; they lived in Aberdeen for 56 years. Joe and Irene loved to travel, visiting many places in the U.S. and abroad including China, Spain, Poland, England and Turkey. During his retirement, Joe shared his love of music by playing the accordion and singing at nursing homes. Joe will be dearly missed by Irene; his children Marie Jenkins, Mark Deschak, and Robert Deschak; their spouses David Jenkins, Janet Deschak and Stella Goudie; his grandchildren Christopher and Michelle Jenkins, and Erica, Caroline and Ian Deschak; and many friends. Friends and family will celebrate Joe's life during a visitation period at the Tarring-Cargo Funeral Home, 333 S. Parke St., Aberdeen, on Sunday, February 24 from 3-6 PM. A funeral mass will be held at St. Joan of Arc Parish, 230 S. Law St., Aberdeen, MD on Monday, February 25 at 11:00 AM. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Daily Bread at http://www.catholiccharities-md.org/our-daily-bread/.
Funeral Home:
Tarring-Cargo Funeral Home
333 South Parke Street
Aberdeen, MD
US 21001
Events
Visitation
Sun Feb 24, 2013 @ 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM EDT
Tarring-Cargo Funeral Home • 333 S Parke St., Aberdeen, MD 21001
Graveside
Mon Feb 25, 2013 @ 12:00 AM EDT
Harford Memorial Gardens • 3839 Aldino Rd., Aberdeen, MD 21001
Service
Mon Feb 25, 2013 @ 11:00 AM EDT
St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church • 257 S. Law St., Aberdeen, MD 21001
Photos
No photos of Joseph have been shared yet.
Memories
DW
Don West
Other •
I was very fortunate to meet Mr. Deschak when I was a kid through Boy Scouts where I became friends with Bob in old Troop 802. Mr. Deschak made it easy for young people to look up to him just by being kind and fair. Every time I saw him he always had a smile on his face and he always asked how I was doing, how my family was and how I was doing in school. He was a good man and he will be missed. Our sympathy and prayers go out to the entire Deschak family. Were truly sorry for you loss, Don, Lynn, Ashley and Jacob West
BB
Barbara Barkes
Other •
I knew Mr. Deschak when he was my principal at Deerfield Elem. 1963-1966. He was such a fine leader, both for the students and for the teachers. I was a young teacher and appreciated all of his support. My husband also taught one year at the school and felt Mr. Deschak was one of the finest principals he worked under. Our deepest sympathy to all of the famly.
CG
Charmon Teller Goldsmith
Other •
I was one of Mr. Deschak"s problem children way back at Oakington Elementary now called Roy Williams back in 1974. It was not a good day in school unless i was in the principals office at least once daily. He wrote a letter home to my parrents one year asking them to not sent me to school in a dress as I was always causing trouble on the play ground. I served alot of after school detention and had numerous life talks in those days. My condolences go out to you and your family he was a wonderful man and will be remembered fondly by many.
BH
Brad Hartsoe
Other •
I am very sorry to hear Mr. Deschak passed away. He has always treated my workers so nice. My father told me that when he went on his first date with my mother ( over 50 years ago), he stopped and asked Mr. Deschak for directions to her home and Mr. Deschak showed him the way! My deepest sympathy to his family.
LK
Laura King
Other •
My heart goes out to your whole family. I remember Mr. Deschak as a warm, fun-loving man, full of life. Fondly, Laura
LB
Linda Baine
Other •
I first met Joe when I was a beginning teacher at Oakington Elementary in 1969. He was very supportive and helpful. In later years I would meet him out and about Aberdeen. He always remembered me and greeted me with a smile. My sympathy to his family and his dear wife.