His Awards include Freeland Elks Man of the Year, 1965; Slovak of the Year, 1974; North Side Dart League award, 1977; VFW award, 1980; Citizens Hose co., Fourth Ward Fire Co., Freeland Lions, Jaycees and CYO awards, 1981; ASA Sportswriter of the Year, 1983; F.A.S.T. service award, 1989; Freeland Lion Public Service, American Legion, YMCA Biddy Basketball, CYO and Freeland Church award, 1995; VFW’s 50th anniversary and Northside Softball appreciation awards, 1995; VFW community service award, 1996; Freeland American Legion Outstanding Citizen 50-year service award; and Eckley Social and Sports Club 50-year award, 1997.
Joe and his wife and partner of 50 plus years, the former Agnes Olenik, have six children and 13 grandchildren.