Joseph C. Piotrowski, DDS

Joseph C. Piotrowski, 68, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away peacefully at his home in Lake Ariel, PA on January 11, 2026 surrounded by the love of his family.

Joe was born on June 20, 1957 to the late Joseph and Louise Piotrowski in Brooklyn, NY. He grew up in Brooklyn but spent the summers of his youth at the family farm in Lake Ariel. At a very young age, he decided to pursue a career in dentistry. He graduated from New York University with his undergraduate degree in 1979 and Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1983. Joe completed his general practice residency at Booth Memorial Medical Center in Flushing, NY, and choosing to specialize in oral and maxillofacial surgery, continued his training at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. Upon the completion of his residency in 1988, Joe joined Oral Surgery Associates with offices in Toms River, Lakewood and later in Forked River, NJ. Joe was active in the Monmouth-Ocean County Dental Society, serving one term as its president. Although Joe would never say this, he was a talented and skilled surgeon and well respected by his peers having been recognized by NJ Magazine as a "Top Dentist" from 2009 to 2012. Joe was always available to his colleagues who sought his guidance on challenging cases, and to the next generation of oral surgeons who he mentored even after his retirement. Joe respected his patients and treated each one with compassion and dignity.

Joe met the love of his life, Mary Ann (Curcio) Piotrowski, during his residency at Booth Memorial Hospital and they married in August 1985. Joe would tell you that his greatest achievement was being a "girl dad" to his daughters, Michelle and Alayna. He provided guidance and advice to them in their life decisions, instilling a strong work ethic and the importance of honesty and integrity. He was proud of the strong, talented and happy women they are today. Joe welcomed his son-in-law, Patrick, into the family, and was blessed with the birth of his grandson, Joseph, who brought him great joy despite his health challenges.

Joe was an avid outdoorsman. He loved the outdoors and nature, and spent as much time as possible hunting, fishing, shooting and working in the fields and woods. He shared this love with his daughters, family and friends who visited their home in Lake Ariel. In his recent years he was a member of the Hide Out's Wildlife and Forestry Committee. He took up golf in his retirement to spend more time outdoors with his wife, Mary Ann. He had an insatiable quest for knowledge, and he was often found spending his spare time researching various topics which he shared with those around him. In addition to a large extended family, he had many friends from his professional life in New Jersey and his Pocono life with whom he shared his time exchanging stories and knowledge. He also liked to travel to across the U.S., the Caribbean, Alaska and Europe but always looked forward to his return to Lake Ariel, his weekend escape until it became his full-time home when he retired in 2012.

He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

Joe is survived by his wife of 40 years, Mary Ann, daughters, Michelle Piotrowski, Alayna Gillane and husband, Patrick, grandson, Joseph, sister, Julia Gannon and husband, Jack, brother, Frank Piotrowski and wife, Barbara. He is also survived by his in-laws, Charles and Denise Curcio, Susan and Don Roach, Anna and Joseph Bisceglia, Vincent and June Curcio, James and Sophia Curcio and Peter and Debbie Curcio and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Friday, January 16, 2026 from 4-7PM at the James H. Wilson Funeral Home, 143 Gravity Road, Lake Ariel, PA.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 10AM at St. Thomas More Church, 105 Gravity Road, Lake Ariel, PA. Those attending the Mass are asked to go directly to the church.

In lieu of Flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Salesian Sisters, 659 North Haledon, NJ 07508, or a charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to and are under the care and direction of the James H. Wilson Funeral Home, Lake Ariel. To leave a memory or to offer condolences, please visit www.jamesfamilyfunerals.com.