Obituary of Joseph J. Gelinger

Joseph John Gelinger, age 92, a member of "The Greatest Generation", passed away February 4th, at his home in Endwell surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Catherine (Chubinsky) his sons: Joseph of Las Vegas, NV, Gary and Diane of Cape Carteret, NC, David and Susan, of Lewisville, TX and Scott of Hurst, TX. Also, his beloved canine companions, Molly and Ginger. Other survivors include his grandchildren: Ian, Eric and Dana Gelinger; great grandchildren: Peyton, Madison, Abigail, Kane and Brooklyn; also a brother-in-law, Ronald and Janet Chubinsky of Florida. He was pre deceased by his sisters Anna Gracik and Josephine Rezucha; and step brothers Anthony Shenk and Steven Vinarsky. In January of 1941, Joe joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and served until he joined the Marine Corps after Pearl Harbor. He was part of the first detachment of 50 Marines sent to the United States Marine Corps Air Station at Cherry Point, NC for training. Joe served as a crew chief on a B-25 in the Asiatic-Pacific area in the Air Casual Squadron Four and was honorably discharged as a Tech Sergeant in 1946. After his discharge from the Marine Corps, Joe was the first G.I. to complete every phase of instruction at Tri Cities Aviation School under the GI Bill. He attained his private pilot's license, a commercial pilot's license and a flight instructor's license. Joe loved telling stories of his early, flying years. He was happiest remembering those times, flying with his students, family and especially his sons. He was an employee of IBM, member of the Quarter Century Club, retiring in 1984 after a 38 year career. Joe was a volunteer of the Southern Tier Grenadiers Jr. Drum and Bugle Corps. Another important part of his life involved his work as a volunteer fireman at the Endwell Fire Department from 1972 to present. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Coleman & Daniels Funeral Home, LLC, 300 E. Main Street, Endicott, NY. Calling hours will be held Sunday at the funeral home from 1 to 4 pm. A memorial service will be held at the funeral home at 3:15 pm. The Funeral will be held at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Church 1 St. John's Parkway, Johnson City, NY on Monday at 10 am. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Joe was a longtime member of St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the church in Joe's name.