Joseph W. Strychasz, 84, of Tonawanda, entered into rest on August 16, 2026. Beloved husband of Nancy (nee Sandman) Strychasz; devoted father of Jennifer Strychasz, Amy (Ryan) Heilman, and Jonathan Strychasz (Judith Ann Jablonski); cherished grandfather of Avery Strychasz, Luca Piomelli, Easton Strychasz, Matteo Piomelli, Dominic Heilman, and Jensen Strychasz; loving son of the late Walter and Stephania Strychasz; dear brother of Frances Kowalczewski. 

Born in Lackawanna, NY, Joseph and his sister, Frances, were raised by their parents, Walter and Stephania Strychasz. Joseph attended Padua High School in Watkins Glen, NY, a minor seminary for those considering priesthood. Following graduation in 1959, he attended the Franciscan seminary in Wisconsin. After careful reflection and discernment, Joe left the seminary to pursue a Masters Degree in Theology from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN. It was there that he met the love of his life, Nancy Sandman. They were married in 1969 and shared 57 years together as a married couple.

In 1971, they welcomed their daughter, Jennifer, before moving to Connecticut. There, Joe completed his Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Connecticut. Their daughter, Amy, was born in Connecticut, prior to their move to Buffalo, NY. Joe and Nancy built a life on Easton Avenue: Jon rounded out the family in 1976, they met neighbors who would become lifelong friends and were members of St. Lawrence Catholic Church. Joe was hired at the VA in Buffalo, where he worked for the next 31 years as a psychiatric social worker. He often expressed his work with veterans was like walking on holy ground.

Joe and his family moved to their home in Tonawanda, NY in 1979. Here, Joe continued his life of service and care. He attended St. Amelia Catholic Church with his family every week. He served as a minister of communion. He volunteered as an RCIA leader for over a decade, leading those searching for a home in the Catholic faith and church. Joe also volunteered with the Boy Scout troop at St. Amelia, where he was known as "Cookie" for his assistance with cooking at campouts. A number of Boy Scouts earned their Ad Altari Dei and Pius XIIth awards through Joe's tutelage. Joe was also a servant in the community. Over the years, he volunteered at the St. Vincent de Paul soup kitchen, wrote letters to the editor for the Buffalo News to support social justice issues, and in later years, gathered donations for the Little Portion Friary in Buffalo, NY.

Through all of this, Joe's spirituality and relationship with God motivated his life. He never forgot his Franciscan roots. His Franciscan beginnings came full circle when he joined the Secular Franciscans (OFS). He was professed in 2018 and continued with them in service and faith until his passing.

Joe always had a story or joke to tell, a spiritual insight to share, or a seed of faith and wisdom to make your day. He enjoyed fishing, history and making model planes and tanks in his spare time. He will be remembered as faith-filled, compassionate, funny, kind, and caring.

Relatives and friends may visit the LOMBARDO FUNERAL HOME (Northtowns Chapel) 885 Niagara Falls Blvd., Amherst, near Eggert Rd./ Sheridan Dr., Monday (August 24) from 4-7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday morning at 11:30 AM at St. Amelia Church, 2999 Eggert Rd., Tonawanda. Please assemble at church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joseph's memory may be made to the Little Portion Friary online at www.littleportionfriary.com or Society of St. Vincent de Paul online at www.svdpwny.org