Obituaries

Joseph M. Gaughan Sr., 75, of Pittston Township, died Monday, Dec. 10, 2018, at Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Dunmore, after an illness. He is survived by his loving wife, the former Nettie Decker. The couple would have celebrated 54 years of marriage on Dec. 26.
Born June 29, 1943, in Pittston, a son of the late Jerome Sr. and Irene Dunn Gaughan, he was a graduate of Hughestown High School, where he was a co-captain of the basketball team. Joe proudly served as a Sergeant in the Army National Guard. Prior to his retirement in 2017, he was employed by Flowserve of Moosic in quality control. Joe was a member of the Hughestown Lions Club and the Dart League. He was of the Roman Catholic faith.
A loving husband and proud father and grandfather, Joe was a kind spirit who enjoyed singing and dancing and could jitterbug like nobody’s business. He loved music, especially the oldies and doo-wop. A fierce competitor, Joe excelled at all sports and was a true team player. He has left his footprints on the heart of all who knew and loved him.
His family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of the Henry Cancer Center and Hospice of the Sacred Heart for all your wonderful care and compassion during Joe’s illness. Words cannot truly express what your kindness has meant.
Surviving are two daughters, Jude Mary Gaughan and husband, Sean Quinn, of Duryea, and Kathleen Stengline and husband, Paul, of Old Forge; four grandchildren, Jacqueline, Devon, Michael and Joshua; two brothers, James and John Gaughan, both of Arizona; and several nieces and nephews.
Joe was preceded in death by two sons, Michael Joseph Gaughan and Joseph Michael Gaughan Jr.; a sister, Kathleen Elm; and a brother, Jerome Gaughan Jr.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday from the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 517 N. Main St., Old Forge, with the Rev. Eric Ferguson, pastor of Moosic Alliance Community Church, officiating. Interment with Military Honors, Marcy Cemetery, Duryea.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.
Visit the funeral home’s website to leave an online condolence.