Very Rev. Joseph Soltysiak Dies at 67 After Battle with Multiple Illnesses

Father Joseph Henry Soltysiak, a devoted servant of the Polish National Catholic Church (PNCC), passed away on December 22, 2025, after a battle with multiple illnesses. He was 67 years old.

Born on September 14, 1958, in Manchester, New Hampshire, he was the son of Henry and Emily (Tomaszewski) Soltysiak. Raised in the shadow of his grandfather, Bishop Joseph Soltysiak, who served as Bishop of the Eastern Diocese of the PNCC, Father Joe’s early life was steeped in faith and service. After graduating from Manchester West High School in 1976, he moved to Scranton, Pennsylvania, to study at Savonarola Theological Seminary, where he was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on May 2, 1979.

Throughout his ministry, Father Joe served in various parishes across the PNCC, including Assistant Pastor at St. Stanislaus Cathedral in Scranton, PA, and Pastor at Holy Name of Jesus in South Deerfield, MA; Holy Saviour in Union City, CT; and St. Joseph’s in Westfield, MA. In 1994, he was raised to the dignity of Senior Priest and has since administered the Eastern Diocese Central Seniorate.

Beyond his pastoral duties, Father Joe was known for his deep love of sports. He played high school and semi-pro baseball and earned All-New England honors in the javelin throw during his senior year. He was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, Boston Bruins, and Boston Celtics, often watching games at home or sharing his passion with visitors to the rectory.

His service extended beyond the altar. He was a devoted member of the Kiwanis Club, chaplain to the Westfield Fire Department, and a member of the Westfield Clergy Association. He was especially proud of his involvement with “Our Community Table,” the Westfield Soup Kitchen, where he often prepared Polish delicacies to ensure that St. Joseph’s parish provided “the best meal of the month.”

Father Joe is survived by his wife of 44 years, Janice (Beggin), formerly of Olyphant, PA; their sons, Rev. Jason H. Soltysiak (Natalie) of North Royalton, OH, Andrew M. Soltysiak of Westfield, MA, and Nicholas J. Soltysiak of Westfield, MA; his brother Stefan of Forestville, CA; and his grandsons Aiden, Brady, and Jonah. He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Emily Soltysiak, and his son Anthony in 2020.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Clergy Pension Fund of the Polish National Catholic Church or St. Joseph’s Polish National Catholic Church. Calling hours are scheduled at Firtion-Adams Funeral Home, 76 Broad Street, Westfield, MA, from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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