Obituaries

Joseph (Joe) Ogonosky, age 96, a longtime resident of Taylor’s Rendham section, passed away Thursday evening at home, following an illness. On October 21, 2016, he was preceded in death by the love of his life – his beloved wife of 66 years – Eleanor (Jarosloski) Ogonosky. Much comfort is now found in knowing the two are reunited forever.
Born in Moosic on May 5, 1926, Joe was the son of the late Frank and Mary (Krafchisn) Ogonosky. Raised in the Greenwood section of Moosic, he was educated at the former Moosic High School. Hailing from a family of baseball players, Joe was a good hitter in his youth, leading the Scranton Association sandlot baseball league in batting average.
A member of “The Greatest Generation”, he proudly served in the U.S. Navy in World War II prior to his honorable discharge from service. Following service duty, Joe worked as a manager for GIANT markets before working in the sales department for Gerber Products.
In the early 1960’s, he began Ogonosky Brothers as a home builder and residential developer, beginning with the Mountainview Development in Taylor. Despite his prominence within his trade, he remained respected and admired for his integrity and honesty throughout his career. Upon retirement, he served a devoted caregiver to his wife.
A faithful Roman Catholic who had briefly considered the priesthood in his youth, he was an active member of the former St. Michael’s Church in Old Forge and, upon his closure, he remained a current member of the Nativity of Our Lord Parish in Duryea.
One of seven Ogonosky brothers, Joe is survived by two brothers, Henry (Jake) Ogonosky and wife Agnes of Brooklyn, N.Y. and and Edward Ogonosky and wife Mary of Scranton; and many nieces and nephews.
Brothers, John, Stanley, Walter and Leo Ogonosky also preceded him in death.
His family would like to thank all who have taken such amazing care of Joe throughout the years, especially the Kavulich family for lovingly welcoming Joe into their family and to his niece, Fran Ogonosky.
Funeral services are scheduled to begin on Wednesday at 9:30 AM from the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge, with a 10:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial at Nativity of Our Lord Parish at Holy Rosary Church, 127 Stephenson Street in Duryea, to be celebrated by Rev. Michael Bryant, Pastor. Burial with military honors by the AMVETS Honor Guard will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Old Forge.
Family and friends may pay their respects on Tuesday between 3-6:00 PM at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made in Joe’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital c/o 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.