Archpriest Joseph Chupeck fell asleep in the Lord on Wednesday evening, October 2, 2024, after a long illness.
Born in Simpson, PA, on April 26, 1948, Father Joseph was raised in a devout Orthodox Christian home, the son of John and Mary Chupeck. Both he and his brother John were called to serve the Church as priests. He graduated from Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in May of 1969, and later attended Kings College in Wilkes-Barre, PA. He married Ellen Holowatch on September 3, 1972.
Father Joseph was the first priest ordained to the Holy Priesthood by the newly consecrated Bishop Herman on February 10, 1973. Father then served the Orthodox Church in America faithfully for fifty-one years, serving parishes in Wilmington, DE; Elmira, NY; and Alpha, NJ. During his ministry, he also served as a VA Chaplain in New York. In retirement, he was attached to Holy Spirit Orthodox Church in Wantage, NJ.
Father Joseph is remembered for his loving, but direct, manner and his ability to teach the faith that had a deep impact on the people he served. He is credited for helping churches that were in decline to change direction towards vitality and health, and even building new church buildings in Wilmington and Elmira.
He is survived by his loving wife, Matushka Ellen Chupeck (nee Holowatch); son, Gabriel; granddaughters, Zoe and Emily; and his sisters, Pauline Somple, Dorothy Kantor and Matushka Irene Govrusik. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Rachael in 2011.
Father Joseph loved woodworking, fishing, gardening, and especially serving at the Holy Altar.
Services for Father Joseph will be served at Holy Spirit Orthodox Church, 102 Route 284, Wantage, NJ on Wednesday, October 9 with a viewing from 5:00-7:00 PM and the Funeral of a Priest at 7:00 PM. On Thursday, October 10, the Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at Holy Spirit at 9:00 AM with His Eminence Archbishop Michael as celebrant. Burial will follow at Saint Tikhon’s Monastery in South Canaan, PA.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for Holy Spirit Orthodox Church, 102 Route 284, Wantage, NJ 07461.
May Father Joseph’s memory be eternal!