Obituary for Joseph Thomas Sadlowski Joseph Thomas Sadlowski, age 87, resident of Fort Mill, South Carolina, died on April 27th, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. Joseph was born in Dickson City, Pennsylvania on March 23rd, 1931 to Stanley and Tessie Sadlowski. After a short time in PA, the family relocated to the Triple Cities area of upstate New York, and settled in Binghamton, New York.
In later years, Joseph would relocate again with his family to the Charlotte, North Carolina area, where after a brief stint in Hilton Head, South Carolina, he would live the remainder of his life. Joseph leaves behind his loving and devoted wife of 59 years, JoAnne Frances Sadlowski, son Mark Sadlowski (Teresa Sadlowski) of Nashville, Tennessee, son David Sadlowski (Karen Sadlowski) of Newton, North Carolina, daughter Lisa Trau (Bob Trau) of Cincinnati, Ohio, son Christopher Sadlowski of Cornelius, North Carolina. Grandchildren, Madison and Mackenzie Trau of Cincinnati, Ohio, Palmer and Parker Sadlowski of Nashville, Tennessee, and Jadyn and Trevor Sadlowski of Newton, NC.
Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, and his infant brother, Stanley Jr. Joseph graduated from St. Bonaventure University in Olean, New York, in 1954. He was an industrial hygienist with IBM starting in Endicott, New York, then later transferring to Charlotte, North Carolina as part of the creation of the University City IBM campus. He worked as an Industrial and chemical safety expert, teaching many classes and writing several patents used in the field to this day.
He retired from IBM after 37 years with many awards and accolades distinguishing his career. A lifelong player and fan of golf, Joseph found his love of the game first working as a caddy, then moving on to playing in college on the Golf team for St. Bonaventure. When not playing with his sons and friends, Joseph loved to attend live tournaments such as the BC Open in Endicott, New York, The Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte, or his favorite tournament of all, the Masters in Augusta, Georgia.
Many a weekend afternoon was spent with family and a cocktail or two, watching the latest tournament on the PGA tour on TV. An avid sports fan, Joseph also loved to follow the New York Yankees, The New York football Giants, and was a charter season ticket member of the Charlotte Hornets inaugural stint in Charlotte. His biggest of pride was following his beloved St. Bonaventure basketball team.
A highlight was traveling on the train with his fellow classmates to the NIT Tournament in New York City in 1952, to see the Bonnies go deep in the tourney before losing in the semifinals. History repeated itself as Joseph and the family cheered the Bonnies onto victory again this year in the 2018 season of March Madness. Joseph had a great sense of humor and a love of the movies and TV, especially Westerns.
Gunsmoke and Bonanza never went off the air as they lived in his DVR to be watched again and again. His tastes ran the gamut from Seinfeld, to 24 to Star Wars, always enjoying the show with his personal favorite, a bowl of popcorn…. and for some reason, room temperature soda….
A man of many interests, he was a fan of reading, crossword puzzles, hummingbird watching, and coin and stamp collecting. Joseph had a tremendous sense of style and took pride in an impeccable wardrobe that impressed and inspired one to always look your best. His children and grandchildren could not find a greater mentor and role model to look up to and live the best life that they can.
Joseph was devoted to his religion, his family, and his country. He had a deep and strong faith in his catholic religion, and supported the church and its teachings all his life, and was a generous contributor to its many charitable initiatives. He was a loving husband, and wonderful father and grandfather who always put family first.
He loved to travel and take the family on vacations Brady Bunch style, whether it was out west to the Grand Canyon, California and Mexico or Hilton Head Island. “Papa Joe” was a proud grandfather who enjoyed participating in his grandkids lives by attending a myriad of activities from soccer games, golf tourneys, cheerleading and plays and musicals. After beginning in ROTC at St. Bonaventure, he proudly served in the US Army Reserve and was honorably discharged.
A gentle soul with a warm heart who gave great hugs. He was known and loved by many, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. We look forward to seeing our loving Husband and Father again, when we enter into the back nine as well….
A celebration of Joseph’s life will be held on Monday, April 30th at St. Matthews Catholic Church Chapel – 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28277 – Visitation starting at 10:00am, with mass to follow at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society to the fight against breast cancer. Arrangements in care of Heritage Funeral Service-Weddington Chapel.
Online guestbook available at www. heritagecares.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Joseph Thomas Sadlowski please visit our Sympathy Store.
Upcoming Events Funeral Mass 2018 APR 30.
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