4216 Sterrettania Road, Erie, PA 16506
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2 tree(s) planted in memory of Joel Gorniak
Beth Grauer (Kinser PMO '03-05)
and 1 other have purchased flowers for the family of Joel Gorniak. Send Flowers
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Evangeline Papadopoulos uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
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Q: How did you meet Joel?
A: I met Joel through his Uncle Greg. Although it was brief, Joel treated me like an old friend. Very kind, cordial and a great sense of humor. My sincerest condolences to friends and family.
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Amy Wingerter uploaded photo(s)
Friday, March 7, 2025
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Back of photo says September 3, 1999. Possibly Homecoming. RIP Joel
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Chance Hardin posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Joel,
The memories I have of you will forever live in my mind. I haven’t been in contact with you since I departed Hawaii in 2015. During my time working at KBay with you as my Sgt, I have so many memories that come to mind. Joel you were always a fun person to be around. I remember one day someone challenged you to do muscle ups on the pull up bar in the middle of the PMO buildings. You took on the challenge and knocked them out of the park. I remember going to the golf course in the mornings and getting our favorite meals. I remember going golfing together with our coworkers. I remember chasing the kid who ran the back gate and you knocking out the kids teeth when you pulled him out of the car. I remember responding to medical emergencies with you and saving people’s lives. When I think about the days at PMO with you, the memories continue to
Flood my mind. So many memories I could share about you Joel. I remember how great of a friend, boss, and parent you were when I was living in Hawaii. I hope your kids can learn a little more about you from my post. You were truly a great person.
Rest easy my brother.
-Chance Hardin PMO 2012-2015
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Lei Gorniak uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
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Joel.
I am in disbelief. I am sad, hurt, and lost right now. We haven’t seen each other since 2018 and I know we had our differences, but know that me and the kids loved you.
You have gave me 2 beautiful kids and you accepted Jordan as your own. No man would’ve done what you did for Jordan. You were a good father to your children and I will make sure to keep your memory alive with them.
Your oldest Jaiden is going to the Marines like you did and I know you’re proud of him. Your daughter Kailani misses you like crazy along with Jordan.
I am not good at expressing my feelings when it comes to this. Just know that I love you and miss you more than ever.
I know you will watch over all of us and you are now in a better place.
Rest in peace my love.
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Chris Peterman posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
I'm sitting here trying to figure out how to go about this..joel and I have been friends for a very long time we grew apart the last few years but I know I thought of him often and him the same. Anyone that knows back when we where younger we where always together we where a 2 minute walk from each other. I even stayed back a year so we could be in the same grade. I quit he didn't. He had no idea what he was going to do with his life we had different paths . He decided he was going to serve his country and that was going to get him to see places nobody could even fathom to see. He landed in Japan for a while and we would talk for hours (think about the cost). Then when he landed on the island he would tell me how beautiful it was and that I need to come visit him. That never happened but we kept in touch and one day he said in one of are many conversations petey you'll never believe me but I met this great woman and we r having a baby . Well he ended up having 3. And he loves his kids I can tell you that. I was so proud of him and his accomplishments. He loved to surf he would tell me all the time well my friend go catch that big wave in the sky . Tell your mom and dad I said hi and that I'm always thinking about them .
Until we meet again my friend . Im going to miss you
Love ,
Petey
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Beth Grauer (Kinser PMO '03-05) purchased flowers
Sunday, March 2, 2025
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Beth Grauer (Kinser PMO '03-05)
purchased the Florist's Choice Bouquet for the family of Joel Gorniak.
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Cannot believe you're gone Brother. Will always remember the fun times. Semper Fi
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Rico Ramirez purchased flowers
Sunday, March 2, 2025
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Rico Ramirez
purchased the Beautiful in Blue and planted a memorial tree for the family of Joel Gorniak.
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Semper Fi brother. You will be missed. Thank you for all the cherished memories.
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Rico Ramirez planted a tree in memory of Joel Gorniak
Sunday, March 2, 2025
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Semper Fi brother. You will be missed. Thank you for all the cherished memories. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Kailani Gorniak uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, March 2, 2025
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Never would’ve thought i’d see you like this. It hurts me deep down to see you after 7 years and you’re no longer with us. Wish I would’ve called you sooner to hear your voice one last time. Forever your little princess, I love you always dad.
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Jaiden Gorniak posted a symbolic gesture
Sunday, March 2, 2025
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I haven't seen my father in 7 years, and not having that connection with him and resenting him for so long made the sudden news of his passing not really emotional or sad to me.
I never knew my dad as well as I wish I did. I found out he was a pretty cool guy, Military Police in the Marine Corps, a good brother and an interesting character. With the small amount of memories I do have of him, I can say he was a pretty good dad too, at least when I was young.
I'm a little sad I didn't know you and kind of wish I did get to know you more as a man, a brother, and a father. I'm upset that I have to hear about your stories from your brother and not from you. The stories I hear are pretty funny and learning what kind of person you were was fun. I never realized how much I looked like you until now.
Rest In Peace, and love you
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Jaiden Gorniak uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, March 2, 2025
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Jaiden Gorniak Posted Mar 2, 2025 at 3:37 PM
I haven't seen my father in 7 years, and not having that connection with him and resenting him for so long made the sudden news of his passing not really emotional or sad to me.
I never knew my dad as well as I wish I did. I found out he was a pretty cool guy, Military Police in the Marine Corps, a good brother and an interesting character. With the small amount of memories I do have of him, I can say he was a pretty good dad too, at least when I was young.
I'm a little sad I didn't know you
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Steve Koman posted a condolence
Sunday, March 2, 2025
Always sad to hear about the passing of a really good friend. We didn’t stay in contact much, but will never forget our cray good times together! Rest in peace brother.
A Memorial Tree was planted for Joel Gorniak
Saturday, March 1, 2025
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Dusckas - Martin Funeral Home Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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The family of Joel T. Gorniak uploaded a photo
Saturday, March 1, 2025
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Tuesday
4
March
Public Visitation
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc.
4216 Sterrettania Rd.
Erie, Pennsylvania, United States
814-838-7656
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Interment
Private interment
Online Memory & Photo Sharing Event
Ongoing
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About this Event
In Loving Memory
Joel Gorniak
1981 - 2025
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Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in this book.
About Us
Conveniently located on the west side of Erie in Millcreek Township, directly across from beautiful Laurel Hill Cemetery, the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home, Inc. offers the best when it comes to memorializing your loved ones.
Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home, Inc. offers a wide variety of services from funeral planning, grief & drug counseling, to cremation services. We proudly serve the greater Erie, PA area.
Our Location
4216 Sterrettania Road,
Erie, PA 16506
Contact Us
Phone:(814) 838-7656
Email: dusckasmartin@gmail.com