Joseph K. Kacsanik

On December 13, 1941, six days after Pearl Harbor, Joseph and Mary Kacsanik welcomed their son, Joseph Kenneth Kacsanik into this world. Joseph was born in Passaic and spent his early childhood and teenage years growing up in Garfield. When he was 20 years old, Uncle Sam invited him to be all he could be. Joseph proudly served his country, stationed mostly in Korea. When he returned home, he had two objectives. The first objective was to find a job. He secured employment with Givaudan Corporation, a chemical company, as a lab technician in their research lab. He remained there for 33 years, retiring in 1998. His second objective was to marry Barbara Brostowski. On July 10, 1965, Barbara Brostowski became Mrs. Joseph Kacsanik. They were married for 59 years and were blessed with one son, Christopher. Joseph loved to travel. Joseph and his family would select a different part of the United States to visit every summer. They would visit national parks, historical sites, major-league ballparks, theme parks, state fairs, and sample the local food. After 12 summers, Joseph had visited 49 of the 50 states only missing North Dakota. In 1970, Joseph and his family moved to Rutherford. There, he realized he had some skill as a do-it-yourselfer. He made repairs, improvements, and renovations. He particularly enjoyed the projects that required demolition. After 20 years of doing it himself, he opted to let someone else do the work. Now Joseph was an empty nester. This allowed him to broaden his travel horizons. Joseph and his wife were fortunate enough to visit all seven continents and 65 countries collecting souvenirs and many, many memories. With retirement, old age, and a variety of health issues, Joseph's life became more sedentary. He was thankful that he was able to be a grandpa to his two grandchildren, Brian and Megan, and watch them grow from infancy to adulthood. On July 19, 2024, Joseph took his last trip. Home. Home to God. Joseph is survived by his wife Barbara, a son Christopher, two grandchildren, Brian and Megan, a sister, Patricia and her husband, Andrew, a brother-in-law, Allen Brostowski and his wife, Nancy, a nephew, Matthew Brostowski, and a niece, Linda Leach and her husband, Brandon Leach and their son, Teddy. He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Mary Kacsanik, sister-in-law, Arlene Gemski, brother-in-law, Robert Gemski, and nephew, Jay Gemski.

Joseph K. Kacsanik

December 13, 1941 - July 19, 2024