Joseph A. Barch

Joseph A. Barch, 86, of Washington Township, formerly of Monessen, died Thursday, Nov. 2, 2006, at his residence. He was born in Monessen on Jan. 10, 1920, the son of the late Dominic and Lenora Telega Barch. He lived in Monessen most of his life before moving to Washington Township and was a member of Epiphany of Our Lord Roman Catholic Church. He also was a member of American Legion Post 28 in Monessen. He retired from the Monessen Plant of Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel, having worked in the Blast Furnace Department. He was a veteran of World War II, having served with the U.S. Army in the South Pacific. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ida Alesiani Barch; a son and daughter-in-law, Fred and Sandra Barch, of Boyton Beach, Fla.; two daughters and sons-in-law, Josephine and Michael Mihalik, of Nashville, Tenn., and Lucille and Charles Miller of Palm Harbor, Fla.; two sisters, Bertha Bilski, of Arnold City, and Sophie Latta, of Belle Vernon; nine grandchildren, Erin, Elizabeth, James and Andrew Mihalik, Lauren, Alexander, and Faith Miller, and Julia and Colin Barch; two brothers-in-law, Herman Alesiani, of Monessen, and Louis Alesiani, of Springhill, Fla.; and by nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, James Barch. Friends will be received Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the DALFONSO-BILLICK FUNERAL HOME INC., 441 Reed Ave., Monessen (724-684-8750). Services will be held Saturday, Nov. 4, beginning with a 9:30 a.m. Blessing in the funeral home, followed by a 10 a.m. Funeral Mass in Epiphany of Our Lord R.C. Church.