Joseph Nykiel

Joseph Nykiel of Elmira, NY, son of the late Helen Majchrzak Nickel and Franciszek Nickel, died November 10, 2014, at the Arnot Odgen Medical Center after a brief illness.Additionally, he was pre-deceased by his wife of almost 50 years, Elizabeth Tinkler Nykiel (1998), son Joseph Jerome (2010), his brothers Theodore of Hudson, PA, Walter of Somerdale, NJ, and sister Eleanor also of Hudson.He is survived by sons, Vincent (Janet) Nykiel ofElmira and Kenneth (Jean) Nykiel of North Canton, OH; grandson, Daniel Joseph Nykiel (Kristen Kassouf) of Livonia, MI; granddaughter, Katherine Elizabeth Simons (Jonah) of Columbus, OH; nephew David (Maribeth) Nickel, niece Beverly (Kevin) Myers and several cousins.Joe was born at home in Hudson, PA, on February 5, 1921.He attended Hudson area schools (including an all-Polish speaking Academy), was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps, and joined the United States Marine Corps in 1942.Attaining the rank of Corporal, Joe served as a United States Marine in the 4th Marine Division, stationed in California and Maui, Hawaii.Within a 13 month period, he fought in four major amphibious assaults - Kwajalein (Roi-Namur), Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima.Joe was a communicant of St. Mary's Church in Elmira, NY, a member of the Harry B. Bentley American Legion Post 442, as well as other fraternal organizations. Joe instilled a love of gardening in his sons, acted as Scoutmaster for Troop 129 St. Mary’s Elmira, and vacationed with his family on Keuka Lake for six decades.Joe thoroughly enjoyed following area sports teams, including the Elmira Pioneers. He spent his almost three decades of retirement helping his son Jerry with his farm in Southport, NY. Joe enjoyed growing his own plants from seed, including heirloom tomatoes.Joe was outside putting his garden to bed on October 25, 2014 when he was stricken. Arrangements are being handled by Olthof Funeral Home, Inc., 1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, Elmira, NY.Viewing hours will be at the funeral home from 7pm -8:30pm Wednesday, November 12, 2014.A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, November 13 at 11am at St. Mary's Church, Fulton and Franklin St. in Elmira, NY.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Church, Elmira, NY, or the Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Cancer Research Foundation, P.O. Box 442, Needham, MA 02494 (www.accrf.org).