Joseph Orzech

Joseph Miller Orzech, 75, passed away on May 27, 2025, following a stroke and an unexpected cancer diagnosis. He bore his illness with his characteristic sense of humor and steadfast faith in God’s providence amid hardship. Born on January 18, 1950, in Brooklyn, NY, Joseph was the son of Joseph P. and Frances (Miller) Orzech. At the age of six, his family moved to Emerson, NJ, where he attended Assumption School and later Bergen Catholic High School. He went on to study at The Catholic University of America, where he met his beloved wife, Ann (Wagner) Orzech, whom he married in 1974. A gifted student and leader, Joseph excelled in Air Force ROTC and was inducted into Tau Beta Pi, the national engineering honor society. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering in 1971 and his Master of Science in Engineering in 1972. Joseph proudly served in the U.S. Air Force, achieving the rank of Captain and serving as a flight instructor. In 1978, Joseph and Ann settled in Londonderry, NH, where they raised their three children. He spent 25 years as a pilot for Delta Air Lines, retiring in 2004. Ten years later, he moved to Dalton, NH, where he found great joy in hiking, skiing at Bretton Woods, and serving his community. In 2018, Joseph was honored with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Medal by Pope Francis for his extraordinary efforts in restoring Our Lady of the Mountains Shrine in Bretton Woods. He was a devoted member of Gate of Heaven Parish and the Knights of Columbus Bradley Council #1624, where he served as a Fourth Degree Knight. His dedication to his parish was unwavering; he served on the finance committee, as a lector, in outreach ministries, and in hands-on roles, from maintaining the grounds to leading major renovation projects of parish buildings. Joseph was also a passionate advocate for local environmental stewardship and he was actively involved in opposing the construction of a landfill near Forest Lake State Park. Joseph’s many interests included woodworking, skiing, hiking, serving others, and most of all, spending time with his children and grandchildren. Joe’s legacy is his service to his church, the devotion with which he raised his children, and the love he showed to his grandchildren. Joseph was predeceased by his parents, his sister Frances (Orzech) Sirignano, and his beloved wife, Ann (Wagner) Orzech, in 1994. He was also preceded in death by his sisters-in-law Jane (Wagner) Tecza (Bruce Tecza) and Barbara Cristina (Martinez) Wagner, and his brother-in-law William Wagner. He is survived by his children, David Orzech of North Bend, WA, and his wife Camelia, and their children Audrey, John, and Evelyn; Peter Sullivan of Bedford, NH, and his wife Theresa, and their children Brendan, Luke, and Colleen; Catherine Collard of Nashua, NH, and her husband Nicholas, and their children Stephen, William, and Ann. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law Louis Sirignano of Northvale, NJ, James Wagner of Tucson, AZ, Jerome Wagner of Vienna, VA, Daniel Wagner (Elizabeth Godfrey) of Arlington, VA; his sisters-in-law Catherine Wagner (Theodore Bonner) of New Berlin, WI, and Mary Byrns (Dan Byrns) of Kewaskum, WI; his cousin Kathleen Monks of Hillsdale, NJ; and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and cherished friends. Calling hours will be held from 5-7pm on Wednesday, June 4th at Bailey Funeral Home in Lancaster. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11am on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at All Saints Catholic Church in Lancaster, followed by a burial service at Forest Hill Cemetery in Derry. A reception will be held following the conclusion of the Graveside Service at Birchwood Vineyards, 199 Rockingham Road in Derry. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joseph’s memory to New Hampshire Catholic Charities or a charity of your choice.

Joseph Orzech

January 18, 1950 - May 27, 2025