Joseph L. Wroblewski, 96, Past International President of Lions Clubs International, devoted husband, father, grandfather, funeral director, veteran, humanitarian, and community leader passed away peacefully at home on June 2, 2026, surrounded by his children.

For more than seven decades, Joseph dedicated his life to service – service to his family, his community, his profession, and most notably to Lions Clubs International, whose mission of improving lives through humanitarian work became the guiding purpose of his life.

Born in Ashley, Pennsylvania, to Joseph L. Wroblewski and Irene Sobolewski Wroblewski, Joe was raised with the values of faith, hard work, compassion, and integrity that would define his character throughout his life. A graduate of Ashley High School, he continued his education at Wilkes College and later earned a degree from Eckels College of Mortuary Science in 1952.

Joe honorably served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Upon returning home, he established his first funeral home in Ashley in 1954 and later expanded his work by acquiring the former John J. Baloga Funeral Home in Forty Fort. Together with his beloved wife, Normajean, he served generations of families with dignity, compassion, and professionalism for more than six decades. During life’s most difficult moments, Joe and Normajean became trusted sources of comfort, guidance, and reassurance for countless families throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.

His entrepreneurial spirit led him to several successful ventures beyond funeral service. Though respected as a businessman, Joe believed that the true measure of a life was found in service to others.

A member of the Ashley Lions Club since 1954, Joe devoted more than 70 years to Lions Clubs International. Through decades of leadership and service, he rose through the organizations ranks, serving as District Governor, International Director, and ultimately as International President of Lions Clubs International during 1985-1986.

His leadership extended far beyond a single presidential term. Joe served as International Convention Chairperson, United Nations Liaison for 28 years, Chairman of the Coordinating Committee for China Affairs, and in numerous other capacities that helped shape the global direction of Lions Clubs International. His work carried him across continents, where he forged lifelong friendships, inspired service, and advanced humanitarian causes that improved countless lives.

Throughout the world, Lions knew Joe not only as a leader but also as a trusted friend whose warmth, optimism, and genuine interest in others left lasting impressions wherever he traveled. He embodied the Lions motto, “We Serve,” and the principle of “Service Above Self.” As International President, he adopted the theme “We Serve Better Together,” a simple but powerful message that reflected both his vision for Lions and his philosophy of life. He believed that the greatest accomplishments were never achieved alone, but through people working side by side in common purpose. His commitment to combating blindness, alleviating hunger, supporting youth, strengthening communities, and promoting international understanding left an enduring mark on the organization and on the people it serves.

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, Joe received many of Lions Clubs International’s highest honors, including the Ambassador of Goodwill Award, the most prestigious honor bestowed upon a Lion. He was also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow and recipient of numerous international leadership and service awards.

Joe was equally devoted to his faith, his family, and his community. He served on the Board of Directors of the Catholic Youth Center in Wilkes-Barre; was President of the Northeastern Heart Association; was a 55-year member of the American Legion, Andrew Lawrence Post 644, Swoyersville; and actively supported numerous civic, charitable, and professional organizations throughout his lifetime.

Above all, Joe cherished his family. He shared nearly 70 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Normajean G. Kozicki Wroblewski, whose partnership, love, and support were central to his life until her passing in 2023. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, service, and devotion to others.

While thousands around the world knew him as a leader, mentor, humanitarian, and friend, his grandchildren knew him simply as “Papa” – a title he treasured above all others. Whether sharing stories, offering encouragement, celebrating milestones, or simply enjoying time together, he took immense pride in his family and found great joy in watching each new generation grow. His wisdom, generosity, gentle spirit, and unwavering love became gifts that his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will carry with them always.

In addition to his parents and wife, Joe was preceded in death by his sons-in-law, Leon Wendelowski and Bryan Demerly, and his daughter-in-law, Heide Lauck.

He is survived by his children: Lisa Wroblewski Howland and husband, Gary, of Newtown, Connecticut; Joseph B. Wroblewski and wife, Dr. Genevieve Wroblewski, of Hillsborough, North Carolina; Eric Aubrey Wroblewski of Naples, Florida; and Marla Wroblewski Demerly and Gregg Fagan of Columbia, South Carolina.

He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: Genevieve Wroblewski and husband, Daniel Sawyers; Christa Wroblewski and husband, Zachary Huckle-Bauer; Eric J. Wroblewski and wife, Minna Tran; Brett Krumins and wife, Alexandra; Erik Lorens; Bryanna Demerly Litz and husband, Justin; Matthew Demerly and wife, MaryKatherine; Joseph Demerly Bell and husband, James; Catherine Conroy and husband, Ben; and Tyler Lauck.

His legacy continues through his cherished great-grandchildren: Maddox and Callie Sawyers; Julian and Teddy Huckle-Bauer; K.J. and Will Demerly; Antonyio Bell; Luke, Cole, and Rex Conroy; and a beloved great-granddaughter, Baby Litz, expected later this year.

He is also survived by his sister, Eleanor Witkowski of Roseville, California, as well as nieces, nephews, fellow Lions, colleagues, and countless friends throughout the world.

Through his family, his profession, his faith, and his lifelong dedication to humanitarian service, Joe leaves a legacy that spans generations and reaches far beyond the communities he called home.

Joe’s life was marked by kindness, purpose, generosity, and an abiding belief that each of us has a responsibility to help others. Though he will be deeply missed by those who loved him, his example will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Wherever people gather to help others, strengthen their communities, and make the world a better place, Joe’s legacy lives on. His family finds comfort in knowing that the words he chose to guide his life, and which will forever mark his resting place, continue to speak for him: We Serve Better Together.

Services and Arrangements

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Joseph’s viewing on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Saint John the Baptist Church, 126 Nesbitt Street, Larksville, Pennsylvania.

Members of the Luzerne County Funeral Directors Association, Inc, will hold their Service of Remembrance at 4:15 PM on Friday.

Members of the Pennsylvania Lions Clubs will gather for a Service of Remembrance at 4:30 PM on Friday.

At Joseph’s request, the funeral will be private. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Joseph’s cousin, the Reverend Father Gerald Gurka. Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow at Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, Hanover Township, where military honors will be accorded by the United States Army.

Funeral arrangements are in the thoughtful care of Joseph’s successors at Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, Pennsylvania.

To share a memory of Joseph or a message of condolence with his family, please visit the funeral home website, www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com, or its Facebook page.

The family kindly requests that floral offerings be omitted. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joseph’s honor to Lions Clubs International Foundation, www.lionsclubs.org/en/donate or you may mail your contribution to Lions Clubs International Foundation, Attn: Donor Services, 300 W 22nd St., Oak Brook, Illinois 60523-8842.

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