Joseph Daniel Dougalas

Joseph Dougalas, 75, of Wilkes-Barre, PA, passed away on August 13, 2025, at his home.

Joseph lived a life marked by service, dedication, and love for family and country.

Born August 21, 1949, in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late Daniel and Irene Norakus Dougalas.

He was a 1967 graduate of G.A.R. Memorial High School, Wilkes-Barre.

Joe proudly served in the United States Air Force and later in the Air Force Reserves where he dedicated 37 years of Honorable service. He went on after retirement to serve in the Air Force Civilian Service for an additional three years. Throughout his career, Joe embodied the Air Force values of Integrity, Service before self, and Excellence in all things. He retired at the rank of Technical Sergeant (E-6) and remained deeply proud of his time in uniform. He continued service, working at the Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre, retiring in 2014.

Joe was a member of Our Lady of Hope Parish, Wilkes-Barre, and formerly Holy Trinity Church, Wilkes-Barre. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion Post #558, Plains, and various other Veteran’s organizations.

Joe enjoyed playing and watching football and baseball, gambling at the casinos, and sitting on the porch with his neighbors and friendly squirrels.

Surviving is his daughter, Victoria Mann and her husband, Jim of Lake Harmony, PA; grandchildren, Emily Engler and Michael Mesaris and his fiancé, Sarah Mihalka of Pittston; a great grandson, due in September; longtime companion, Joan Cease of Shavertown, PA; sister, Ann Marie Bednarski of Wilkes-Barre; brother, Daniel Dougalas and his wife, Joan of Dunedin, FL; and nieces and nephews, Matthew Dougalas and his wife, Julie of White Haven, PA, Mark Dougalas of Dunedin, FL, and Danielle Conyers and her husband, Brent of Chesterfield, VA.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, August 30th, at 11:00am at Our Lady of Hope Parish, 40 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702. The Reverend John S. Terry, Pastor, will be Celebrant. Military Honors provided by the Air Force will follow Mass and future interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia. Family and friends may call Saturday morning at the Church from 9:00am until time of Mass.

In Lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in his honor to the VALOR Clinic Foundation who provides nationwide integrated medical care and shelter to Veterans with limited or no access to care; shelter to Veterans who due to health or means are unable to find or keep shelter of their own in order to improve the lives of our Nation’s Veterans. Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 315, Brodheadsville, PA 18322