Joseph Leon Szymanski

Joseph Leon Szymanski (Joe) passed away peacefully at home in Delray Beach, FL on May 9, 2024. He was 94, born in 1929 to Edward and Angelika (Gostomski) Szymanski in Baltimore, Maryland.

The son of Polish immigrants, Joe was raised in East Baltimore and attended St. Elizabeth’s Church and School. At age 14, he left school and took his first job at Harry Kravitz’ corner grocery store down the block from his Streeper Street home. At age 17, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served in the U.S.S. Los Angeles during the Korean War. He was stationed in Yokosuka, Japan. Returning to Maryland, he graduated from the Maryland State Police Academy and served on the force for 2 years. He then took a job with The Baltimore Sun where he worked in the circulation department until retirement after nearly 26 years.

While working as a Maryland State Trooper, Joe met Helen Streett, and they married in 1962. They raised their 3 children in Catonsville, Maryland, and spent much time with family in Ocean City, Maryland. In 1990, they moved to Fallston, Maryland. Joe was a longtime fan of the Baltimore Orioles from their first game in 1954. A perfect day for Joe was hosting a crab feast for his family at his Fallston home while the radio blasted the Oriole game for all to enjoy. He also enjoyed gardening, family gatherings, and playing cards with his brothers and brothers-in-law. He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Helen Streett Szymanski of Delray Beach, Florida; his son Joe Szymanski and wife Lisa of Sparks, Maryland; and daughters Ann Szymanski of Mystic, Connecticut; and Mary Maher and her husband Donald of Delray Beach, Florida.

He is also survived by six grandsons, Joe, Quinn, Thomas, John, Jack, and Sam; four granddaughters, Paige, Caroline, Molly, and Clair; and one great-grandson, Teddy, as well as many nieces and nephews and their families, whom he loved deeply.

He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, Daniel, John, Francis, Edward, and Jerome; three sisters, Angeline, Agnes, and Helen; his son, Thomas; and his granddaughter, Bridget.

Joe’s love and generosity touched the lives of all who knew him.