Joseph Wenskoski was 36.
EDISON -- A township patrolman died last week after about a year of battling cancer, a borough police official said.
Joseph Wenskoski, who worked as a patrolman in Edison for about two years, died June 1 at Haven Hospice at the JFK Medical Center in Edison, according to an online obituary. He was 36.
Michael Schwarz, president of the Edison Policeman's Benevolent Association, said Wenskoski's wife is expecting to deliver twins in July. She is expecting a boy and a girl, according to the obituary. Schwarz said the department plans to set up an annual fundraiser to create a college fund for his children.
Schwarz said Wenskoski, of North Plainfield, could be seen around the department in his last few days, helping out and going on ride alongs with other officers.
"He was a great officer and a great man," Schwarz said. "He had a very courageous fight against cancer. His strength during the battle was an inspiration to us all.
In January, the police association created an online fundraiser for Wenskoski and his family. About 290 people collectively donated nearly $28,000 as of Thursday afternoon.
"One day, he experienced a bad headache and went to the doctor's office. The doctor told him the worst news of his life: Joe had a brain tumor," the association wrote on the fundraiser. "A fierce warrior, Joe never gave up. Determined to beat cancer, Joe went through surgeries and chemo therapy, time after time."
Before working in Edison, Wenskoski served as an officer with the NJIT Police in Newark and the Metuchen Borough Police Department, according to his obituary.
Funeral services were Wednesday morning at the Gosselin funeral home on New Dover Road in Edison.
"Thanks Joe, for the memories, the laughs, and the love," Edison's police association wrote on Facebook. "You will be missed."
Luke Nozicka may be reached at lnozicka@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @lukenozicka. Find NJ.com on Facebook.