Joseph M. Kordziel

Obituary of Joseph Martin Kordziel

                                                                October 14, 1952 – March 31, 2025

Joseph Kordziel of Mineville, New York passed away on March 31, 2025 after battling a few health issues. Joe was home when he passed with the loving care of his family.

 He was born in Ticonderoga, New York. He was the second of four children born to the late John Kordziel Sr. and Dorothy (Fleming) Kordziel. He was predeceased by his older brother John Kordziel Jr. He is survived by his loving husband Neil Hourihan, Sisters: Julie Harris (John) and Janet Sleeper. Nephews: Adam Kordziel, Kane Sleeper (Erica), Cody Sleeper (Carly), and Jamie Wykes. Nieces: Penny Shrodek (Larry), Brandi Kordziel (Kenny), Ryan Herderich (Walter), and Valerie Wykes (Jon). Great nephews: Bryce Herwerth, Lazarus Shrodek, Lysias Shrodek, Easton Sleeper, Colin Sleeper, and Jace Herderich. Great nieces: Monroe Sleeper and Raelyn Herderich. Joe also loved Neil’s family unconditionally, as they were a big part of his life.

Joe graduated from Moriah Central School in 1970. He graduated from Buffalo State University in Upstate New York with a Master’s degree in art history. Joe taught art at Glens Falls School for four years prior to becoming an art teacher at Crown Point School for 26 years. He will be remembered for his unique art style and caring nature by the faculty and students. He was known as “Mr. K.” by the students. He inspired and built confidence in his students so they could express themselves through the many facets of art and he always made sure they were working on something they enjoyed.  Joe cherished one Crown Point yearbook the most. One year, the graduating class dedicated a yearbook in his honor.  It said, “Thank you for not giving up on us when everyone else did.” To this day, students who hear his name say, “What a great teacher and person he was.”

Joe was a good friend throughout the community. He always had a kind word or compliment for everyone he met. He was an excellent painter. He loved painting outdoor scenes. He decorated his childhood home with several beautiful paintings. Two of his popular paintings that he was known for around town were “a dog and cat in the shelter waiting for a good home and Lady Madonna and child.” All his family have his beautiful artwork displayed in their homes. They will be treasured forever. Many homes throughout the town and other communities have his work also.

The love of his life next to his husband Neil was Diana Ross. He had every album and displayed the album covers on his wall. He also loved going to see her in concert no matter the distance. He painted a picture of her and brought it to one of her shows. He was in the front row. She let him come up on stage and dance with her after she noticed the portrait. It was not uncommon to walk in his house and see his favorite color orange everywhere, hear Motown records playing or see Diana Ross memorabilia.

We will miss his unique charm and character. He will be forever in our hearts until we meet again someday. Save a seat at our family table for us. We will find you when we hear Diana Ross singing “AINT NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH..”  Love you Joey!

There will be a mass for Joe at St. Patrick’s Church in Port Henry on Wednesday April 9th at 11:00am. Following mass, a luncheon will be held at the Parish Center near the church in honor of Joe.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph M. Kordziel, please visit our floral store.