Pinkowski Files

Alexander L. "Jolly Joe" Truszkowski (June 23, 1944 -- April 2009)
Alexander L. "Jolly Joe" Truszkowski, 64, of Chestnut Street, Hanover Township, passed away Thursday at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. He was born in Warrior Run on June 23, 1944, a son of the late Alexander L. Sr. "Lefty" and Stella Pozarzecki Truszkowski.
He was a 1962 graduate of E.L. Meyers High School, and was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War.
He was well known throughout the U.S. and worldwide in the music industry as "Jolly Joe." He served as a polka promoter and bandleader for Jolly Joe and the Bavarians, who played Polish, German and accommodated many varieties of music.
His band was the first to record "The Chicken Dance" in the United States, and also released various recordings. In 1983, he was elected as the "Polish Citizen of the Year" by the Polish American Journal. He was involved in the Polka music business for over 52 years.
His passion was spending countless hours spreading the joy of his music to a variety of groups. He especially enjoyed going to nursing facilities and spending time with fellow veterans.
Whether you heard him on the radio, T.V., or were watching him perform at an event, playing his beloved accordion, he truly enjoyed playing for his many eager fans and listeners.
He was a Polka D.J. for over 37 years at various radio stations throughout our area; lastly he was with 1340 AM WICK, Scranton, hosting his original Jolly Joe's Bavarian Bandstand.
He was a member of the Good Shepherd Polish National Catholic Church, Plymouth.
He was very loyal to his country as a patriotic citizen, and was a member of AMVETS Post 59, Hanover Township, VFW Post 5267, formerly of Hanover Township, Catholic War Veterans Post 274, Ashley, Vietnam War Veterans, Pittston, D.A.V., Dupont.
He is survived by his wife of 28 years, the former Bernadette M. Zuzel Truszkowski; sons, Michael Truszkowski and wife, Melissa, Alex (Truszkowski) Halter; sisters, Christine Kopacz and husband, Al, Lorraine Hoech and her husband, Rodger; brother, Peter Truszkowski and wife, Patricia; several nieces and nephews.
Military funeral services will be held on Monday at 9:30 a.m. from the George A. Strish Inc. Funeral Home, 105 N. Main St., Ashley. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:15 at the Good Shepherd Polish National Catholic Church, with the Rev. Pawel Filip.
Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hanover Township. Family and friends may call on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and on Monday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
From: Times Leader, Wilkes-Barre, April 25, 2009