Obituaries

Joseph R. Van Deusen passed away peacefully at home on February 21, 2022. He was a hard-working family man from West Scranton. He dedicated his life to his children and grandchildren. He graduated from West Scranton High School in 1970, making him the first person in his family to receive a diploma. He served in the United States Air Force from 1970 to 1974 as an enlisted Sergeant before dedicating his working career to Tobyhanna Army Depot for over 34 years. He retired as a proud Tactical Satellite Communications Supervisor. Joseph and his loving wife Dawn then retired to a small town of Milner, GA to enjoy his remaining years.
Joseph was a great mentor, leader, father, and a grandfather. He was a “meat and potatoes” kind of man that believed in making the next generation better than the generations that had passed. He loved baseball and was an avid Yankees fan all his life. He also loved model trains, camping, gardening, collecting antiques, watching movies, dogs, and talking with people. Above all else, he loved his family more than life. He is survived by his wife Dawn and his four children Bryan, Jessica, Stephanie, and Joseph Jr. His legacy proudly includes his grandchildren Iselbell, Bryan Jr., Lucas, Madison, William, and Evelyn. He is preceded in death by his mother Kathleen Van Deusen, uncles, Kenneth, Robert, Francis,and Gerard, and aunts Dorothy Walker, Lorraine Barycki, Evelyn Van Deusen, Rita Van Deusen, and Marilyn Van Deusen.
Joseph lived a full life with an abundance of love from so many people. In life and death, he represents the true American Dream. He will be missed and admired for generations to come.
Funeral services are scheduled to begin on Tuesday at 9:15 AM from the Kevin K. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 North Main Avenue, Scranton, with a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick’s Church, 1403 Jackson Street in West Scranton, to be celebrated by Rev. Richard Fox, Pastor. Burial will follow with full military rites by the AMVETS Honor Guard at the Cathedral Cemetery. Family and friends may pay their respects on Monday between 4-7:00 PM at the funeral home.
Please visit the funeral home’s website for directions or to leave a condolence.