Florence Joann (Koziel) Diesel

Florence Joann Koziel Diesel,born May 18, 1934, passed away, Thursday, January 20, 2022 in Washington Donnell House.

She was daughter of the late John and Ann Winseck Koziel of  Houston, Chartiers. At the time of death, Joann was a resident of Houston. 

Joann attended Moninger grade school Chartiers high school where she was active with the yearbook, having designed all characters in the book. Following graduation, she became office secretary with Klahr furniture store, then the Pennsylvania Transformer Company, both in Canonsburg.

October 15, 1955, in the Miraculous Medal Church, She married her high school sweetheart, Richard (Dick) Diesel, following his return from serving in Korea. Together they celebrated 62 years of marriage before her husband's death in 2017.

In 1971, while working as a night auditor for Washington K-Mart, she became interested in local government, becoming recording secretary for Chartiers Township Zoning and Planning  Boards, secretary and member of the municipal authority. In 1973, she was appointed earned income tax collector for Chartiers school district and township, a position held until 1990 when she was elected the first lady supervisor for Chartiers Township. During her six year term, Joann produces an annual newsletter for all residents, while serving as full time township secretary. Mrs. Diesel was most proud when her board agreed to build the new municipal center, offering full time service by all departments. Before her term expired in 1995, she further recommended board approval to purchase thirty acres, next to the high school, for a community/recreational center.

Having a great interest in local government, Mrs. Diesel often wrote opinion letters in the Observer Reporter and Daily Note, regarding taxes and local services by municipal government. Joann loved polka music, supported local garage sales and auctions. She had a huge collection of Lenox China, gifts from her husband and family. Her favorite song was One Day at a Time.

Surviving are four sons; Richard Jr. (Marci), David (Doreen), Edward (Lori) Diesel of  Washington, Thomas Diesel of Houston; ten grandchildren; Devon (Zack) Tonti, Kelsey (Pat) Cleveland, Jordan (Ricky) Corso, John, Jared, Makenzi, Alex, and Connor;  her four great- grandchildren; Claire and Bodey Cleveland, Theo and Haylee Tonti; her step-grandchildren, Makenzie and Jared Embert;  her brothers , John (Vera) of Moninger, Robert (Sandy) of Waynesboro; and several cousins, nieces, nephews and many good friends.  

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her grandson, Richard Shawn.

Friends will be received Sunday, January 23, 2022, from  2 - 4pm and 6 - 8pm at the Sollon Funeral and Cremation Services, LTD, 30 East College Street, Canonsburg, Phillip L. Sollon, supervisor, 724-746-1000.

Services will be held , Monday  at 10am in the funeral,  with Pastor Sue Petritis, officiating.

Interment will follow in the Queen of Heavens Cemetery .

Please visit www.sollon.com to leave online condolences.

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