Joseph P. Baka

1937 - 2025

Joseph P. Baka, 87, of McCain Street, Brockway, PA, died on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at Christ the King Manor in DuBois.

Born on July 19, 1937, in Brockway, PA, he was the son of the late Thomas F. and Catherine V. Timko Baka.

Retired, Joe had been employed as a machinist at Brockway Pressed Metals and at his retirement had moved up into a management position. He was a member at St. Tobias Church in Brockway and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He also was a member of the Brockway Area Kaimanns and served in the National Guard. Joe was instrumental most of his life in the Brockway Area Ambulance, where he was a charter member and board member for many years. He also was instrumental in bringing Highland View Nursing Facility to a reality in the early 1980's, and served as the president of Brockway Borough Council for many years.

Joe also loved tennis and wrestling at the high school level, and actually served at one time as the Brockway High School tennis coach. He also was actively involved in the Brockway Wrestling Program. He also enjoyed gardening and growing vegetables, and traveling around the area with Squirt Johns taking in the local dirt track racing action.

He is survived by a sister, Barbara V. Montresor of State College, PA; brothers, George G. Baka of Brockway and Paul (Judith) Baka of Cherry Hill, MD. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a sister, Sr. Paulina Baka; and a brother, Thomas E. Baka.

Visitation will be on Sunday, January 26, from 2-5 p.m. at the Shugarts Funeral Home Inc. in Brockway. A funeral service will be held on Monday, January 27, at 11 a.m., also at the funeral home with Msgr. Charles Kaza officiating. Burial will follow in St. Tobias Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Brockway Area Ambulance, 1147 Cherry St., Brockway, PA, 15824, the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company, P.O. Box 253, Brockway, PA 15824 or the Brockway High School Tennis Program, C/O Stephanie Benson, 40 North St., Brockway, PA 15824.

Online condolences may be left at csfhinc.com.