Joseph E. Shaughnessy

Joseph E. Shaughnessy, 78, of Lehman Twp., passed away Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018, at his home following a short illness.

Joe was born in Wilkes-Barre, the son of the late Patrick and Mary O'Neil Shaughnessy. He was a graduate of King's College, Wilkes-Barre, Class of 1978. He was a member of the first Leadership Wilkes-Barre, Class in 1983.

After holding positions at a local banking and then advertising firm, Joe became the president and owner of Prime Supply Company in Luzerne from 1985 to 2000. Following the sale of the business, Joe joined the faculty at West Side CTC. He loved working with young people and continued in that position until his retirement in 2012.

Joe was very active in the community. He had a long association with the Wyoming Valley chapter of the American Red Cross, serving as chairman and named a life board member. He was presented the Clara Barton Award and was recognized by President George H. W. Bush as a volunteer "point of light." He served for 25 years in various volunteer leadership positions with the United Way of Wyoming Valley.

Over the past 20 years, Joe went back to his early love of painting and drawing taking lessons with local artists and participating in area art shows. He loved doing water colors and many of his works adorn the walls of family and friends. His annual Christmas card was welcomed each year.

Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, was his sister, Mary E. Dunn, and brother-in-law, Bruce E. Gover.

Surviving are his wife of 43 years, Molly Clements Shaughnessy; sisters-in-law, Betsy Gover and Jeannie Clements; brother-in-law, Robert Clements Jr.; nieces, Mary Jane Gover Ask, Jane Clements-Smith, Elizabeth Clements Katyl, Julia Clements, Catherine Clements and Molly Dunn Entrot; nephews, Bruce E. Gover Jr., R. Clements Gover, Paul Dunn Jr. and Jerome Dunn; as well as great-nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in Gate of Heaven Church, 40 Machell Ave., Dallas. The Rev. Daniel Toomey will officiate.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the service Friday in the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations go to Gate of Heaven Church, United Way of Wyoming Valley or the charity of the donor's choice.

Arrangements are by Harold C. Snowdon Funeral Home Inc., Shavertown.