Joseph Chernishuk

Joseph Chernishuk, age 90, of Wayne passed peacefully in his home on Monday, November 28, 2022. He was the only child of Theodore and Catherine Chernishuk, and was born and raised in Jersey City. After graduating from Jersey City High School in 1952, he enlisted in the United States Air Force.

Joseph served in the United States Air Force from 1952 to 1956, during the Korean War. He received both the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He trained as a radar mechanic at the Electronics Training Center at Kessler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. The training he received in the military led to a lifelong career as an electrical engineer.

Joe met Caroline, the love of his life, on a blind date. They married about a year and a half later in 1963, and bought a house in Wayne. Caroline and Joe enjoyed a “robust and enthusiastic” marriage spanning forty-six years that was blessed with a son Joseph “Teddy” Chernishuk and a daughter Catherine Trajkovic. Their marriage can be warmly characterized by them considering each other “best friends.” For many years they enjoyed traveling, having visited Europe, the Vatican, Spain, Las Vegas, California and a few cruises as well. Their favorite trip of all time was a drive along the Pacific Coast Highway from San Diego to San Francisco.

Joe will be remembered as a quiet, reserved person, but once he got to know you that façade disappeared. He enjoyed a good joke, kielbasa, a nice glass of red wine, and both the New York Giants (even though his son persistently tried to convert him to a Washington Commanders fan) and the New York Yankees. He enjoyed watching classic movies on the Turner Classic Movies channel. He was a dog lover, and his late Golden Retriever Coco was certainly spoiled as she slept under the covers and even had her own pillow. He was also very fond of the current family dog Oscar who is a Yorkie.

Joe was dedicated to his Catholic faith and was a parishioner of Our Lady of Consolation Church in Wayne for many years.

Joe was predeceased by Caroline, his wife for forty-six years, in 2009. He was the loving father of Joseph “Teddy” Chernishuk and his wife Jennifer of Wayne, and Catherine Trajkovic of Highland Lakes. He was the cherished grandfather of Kayla, Saralyn, and Sienna Chernishuk, and Alex and Max Trajkovic. He enjoyed spending time with his family, and seeing his grandchildren always brought a smile to his face.