Joseph Vincent Bienkowski, 79, of Bowling Green, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 16, 2026. He was born on March 22, 1947, in Chester, Pennsylvania to the late Chester and Florence (Bielski) Bienkowski.
Joe married the love of his life, Patricia “Patty” Ballard, who survives him in Bowling Green. They were married October 22, 2005, exactly two years from the date they met. Together they shared a life filled with travel, swimming and devotion to one another. One of their most treasured memories was a cruise in Hawaii for their honeymoon.
As an adolescent in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, Joe served as an altarboy for his church, was an independent landscaper, maintained a newspaper delivery route, and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. His interest in electronics prompted him to become a TV Repairman. Joe was a proud graduate of Drexel University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. Throughout his career, he worked for several respected corporations, including the Honeywell-owned Division of Bendix Corporation in Elmira, New York; Allied Signal/Autolite Division in Fostoria, Ohio — the position that brought him to Ohio; and later Ford Motor Company. He was admired for his strong work ethic, intelligence, and dedication to his profession.
Joe also had a passion for aviation. As a private pilot, he was a proud member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). He never tired of talking about flying and rebuilding his first airplane. He also had a lifelong interest in tinkering with cars, along with an enthusiasm for working with electronic equipment and tools.
Along with his wife Patty, Joe is survived by his brothers Robert Bienkowski of Orlando, Florida; James (Rhonda) Bienkowski of Germania, Pennsylvania; Thomas (Diane) Bienkowski of Longmeadow, Massachusetts; his sister Carol (Steven) Lauser of Mills River, North Carolina; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews; as well as many extended family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Francis Bienkowski, and sister Jeanne Bienkowski.
A member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Joe’s faith was the foundation of his life. Joe will be remembered for his quiet strength, unwavering faith, and patriotic spirit. He dearly loved God, his country, his family and his beloved wife, Patty. In lieu of flowers, any donations may go to St. Aloysius Catholic Church.
A memorial mass will be held on Thursday June 18, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 150 S. Enterprise St. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Bowling Green. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Dunn Funeral Home in Bowling Green.
