Joseph Eugene Czarnecki

He is survived by his college sweetheart wife, Dr. Nancy Szwec, sons Joseph J. Czarnecki MD (Wendy Greenberger), John Jacob Czarnecki (Jennifer Vaszily), daughters Andrea Czarnecki (Matt Pitzel), and Camille Czarnecki, as well as eight grandchildren: Matt Czarnecki, Alex Czarnecki, Jacob Czarnecki, John Czarnecki, Sean Czarnecki, Kaitlynn Czarnecki, Ethan Pitzel, and Aidan Pitzel. He is also survived by his brother Casimir (Dorothy) Czarnecki MD.

Dr. Joe was born to the late Jacob and Anastasia Czarnecki in the Port Richmond neighborhood of Phila., PA in 1939. He attended St. John Kanty Prep boarding school in Erie, PA before returning to Philly to attend Temple University, where he met Nancy. He graduated from the Des Moines School of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery in 1965. He wed, became board certified, and returned to his hometown to establish his medical career as a family practitioner. Dr. Joe would serve as a primary care physician for the next 53 years.

Dr. Joe was President of the Port Richmond Diagnostic Center and opened a mammography unit there when none was available locally. He served on several committees at Northeastern Hospital in Philadelphia. Additionally, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Lions Club, and Circle K Kiwanis Club. Following retirement, he and Nancy split their time summering at the New Jersey shore, to be closer to family, and spending winters in sunny Venice, FL, away from the snow.

One of Dr. Joe’s proudest achievements was being inducted into Holy Ghost Preparatory School’s Hall of Fame in 2007 (where his sons had studied), He served as the basketball teams’ physician and biggest fan from 1981 to 2003. You may have seen him wear his athletic jackets and rings, even in the Florida sun! He also loved to be surrounded by friends and was a true fisherman at heart. Reeling in the big catch was not the most important thing to him, but rather making sure those with him were well fed and having a great time.

But the true highlight of his life was his family. His deep love for family is his enduring legacy. He adored his wife, Nancy, and celebrated her professional accomplishments with delight. Throughout 62 years of marriage, Joe could be spotted on the dance floor twirling Nancy around or stomping to a hearty polka. Together, they danced, enjoyed the opera, and went birding: happy wife, happy life.

To his children, he instilled the importance of treasuring family, offering genuine kindness, choosing optimism, and always saving room for dessert.

For his grandchildren, he attended numerous academic ceremonies, athletic events, and dance recitals to demonstrate his fervent pride and love. The value of a good education, the importance of punctuality, and a keen sense of humor are emblazoned on their hearts.

Dr. Joe lived a life filled with joy, laughter, and love. His memorial service is scheduled this summer at St. Thomas Catholic Church, 331 8th St South, in Brigantine, NJ, on Saturday August 1, 2026: 10 AM Visitation, 11 AM Mass. A celebration of his life luncheon to follow. Family and friends welcome.

Donations in Dr. Joe Czarnecki’s memory may be made to St. Thomas Catholic Church.