Joseph William Tereshko

Joseph William Tereshko was born “under a rosebush” near his beloved Lambertville, New Jersey, to Ukrainian immigrant parents, Wasyl and Kataryna (Katie Jacko) Tereshko (Tereszko). As the youngest child and only son, Joe delighted in sharing that growing up with four older sisters, Monia, Olga, Primrose, and Lillian, made him especially gifted at relating to women. Throughout his life Joe remained connected to his Lambertville classmates as class president and organizer of reunions.

After a stint in the merchant marines Joe studied at West Virginia Wesleyan College where, as a member of the class of 1960, he received his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. This launched his lifelong career with Union Carbide (later Advanced Ceramics) while he simultaneously pursued his Master of Science in chemistry at the University of Toledo, awarded in 1966. Joe earned four patents related to his research specialty, boron nitride. The results of his research informed the construction of a NASA space shuttle and later in his career pioneered the chemistry involved in long-wear cosmetics. He retired in 2000 but spent the rest of his life talking about chemistry (regardless of others’ interest).

In retirement Joe enjoyed pursuing his hobbies (including riding roller coasters at Cedar Point until the age of 82), downhill skiing, traveling with his wife Barb, spending time with (and especially teasing) his family and friends, and reminiscing about his life (again, regardless of others’ interest).

Joe married Barbara (Keller) Kauffmann in 1979, blending their families which include William (Lynne), Cathy Dobrzanski (Rich), Ellen Kauffmann Nolan (Joshua), and adding daughter Laura (Eric Fenske). Joe was always happy to regale others with the (often embellished) accomplishments and anecdotes about his children and grandchildren: Justin (Kelsey), Brandon (Elizabeth), and Kelli Tereshko; Joseph and Claire Dobrzanski; and Nora and Bobby Nolan. He delighted in meeting the first of his great grandchildren, Charlotte and Madeline Tereshko.

Joe and Barb created a great community of friends in Broadview Heights, Ohio, moving in their later years to Medina, Ohio. Joe’s family invites you to join in a celebration of Joe’s life at the Medina United Church of Christ Congregational at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026. You may visit with them at the church just prior to the service at 11:00 a.m.

(Truly) In lieu of flowers you may honor Joe’s life by making a tax-deductible gift to a special nonprofit, SPARK Medina. Mailing address: SPARK Medina, 514 S. Court St., Medina, OH 44256.

Funeral arrangements were made by Waite Funeral Home. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.waitefuneralhome.com.