Joseph William Stelzer

Joseph William Stelzer of Riverhead died Dec. 2 at Peconic Bay Medical Center. He was 75.

He was born March 19, 1935, in Greenport to Lawrence and Kathleen (Richard) Stelzer. Raised in Riverhead, he graduated from Riverhead High School and earned a bachelor of science degree from St. John’s University in 1958. He served in the U.S. Army for two years.

On Sept. 9, 1962, he married Constance Sujecki in Riverhead. Mr. Stelzer owned and operated Thrift Drugstore in Riverhead for 20 years and later was head pharmacist at King Kullen in Cutchogue for 10 years before retiring.

He was a parishioner of St. Isidore R.C. Church in Riverhead and a member of the Polish Town Civic Association.
According to his family, his pastimes included fishing, golfing, gardening and enjoying life with family and friends.
Mr. Stelzer is survived by his wife of 48 years; his children, Allyson Vail, Greg and Sally; his siblings, Mary Roche of Riverhead, Richard, of Pennsylvania, and Edwin, of Maine; and five grandchildren.

The family received visitors Dec. 4 and 5 at McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead. Funeral services were conducted Dec. 6 at St. Isidore R.C. Church by Father Robert Kuznik. Interment followed at the church cemetery.

Memorial donations may be sent to the St. Isidore Capital Campaign Fund, 622 Pulaski Street, Riverhead, NY 11901 or the Peconic Bay Medical Center Foundation, 1300 Roanoke Ave., Riverhead, NY 11901.