Joseph P. Urban Jr.

1948 - 2021

Joseph P. Urban Jr., of Dallas, passed away Nov. 18, 2021, following a brief illness. Born Jan. 12, 1948 in Harrisburg to Joseph P. Urban Sr., and the former Lois J. Gehret, he lived in Hershey where he attended St. Joan of Arc Catholic Grade School. He also lived in Palmyra, graduating from Palmyra High School where he earned seven varsity letters in football (All-County), baseball and basketball.

Upon graduation, he entered the United States Marine Corps (1966-1970), serving honorably in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969. He was a proud 51-year member of Andrew Lawrence Post 644 of the American Legion. Following his discharge, he was a walk-on for the Penn State football team until 1972, when he relocated to Swoyersville to play semi-professional football with the Wyoming Valley Giants, being named most valuable player the same year. Joe was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing all of the area courses, achieving two holes-in-one in recent years. He looked forward to his annual golf trip to Myrtle Beach, S.C., with his brother and life-long friends.

Prior to retirement, Joe was a branch manager for MetLife in West Pittston. He was also a former director of the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen's Association.

Preceding him in death, in addition to his beloved parents, were his sister, Lesley "Snookie" Jordan; and his father and mother-in-law, William B. and Mary M. Cleary.

Joe considered himself extremely lucky to have spent 45 years with his wonderful wife, the former Mary M. Cleary and 38 years with the love of his life, son, Joseph P. III "J.P.," Pretoria, South Africa, who made him so very proud. Also surviving are brothers, Frank Urban, Harding; Steve Urban and his wife, Viola, Duryea; and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday from Harold C. Snowdon Funeral Home, 140 N. Main St., Shavertown. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am in Gate of Heaven Church, Dallas. Interment with Marine Corps Military Honors will be held in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hanover Twp. Friends may call at the funeral home from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday.

P.S. To all I met in passing through this life, it was a pleasure. –Joe

In honor of Joe's memory, donations may be made to Gate of Heaven Church, 40 Machell Ave., Dallas PA 18612.