Joseph V. Lakas

The Honorable Joseph Vincent Lakas, 91, of Monaca, PA passed away on June 14, 2024 with his loving family by his side. He was born September 23, 1932 in Alliquippa to George and Mary Lakas (Rancik). He was preceded in death by his mother and father as well as his sister Emma Mihalik (Lakas) and brother George Lakas.
Joe is survived, by his remarkable wife of 71 years, Rose Mary (Pulpan),his "Five Boys" Joseph Jr. (Julie) of Parma, OH, Jeffrey (Annette) of Westerville, OH, James of Monaca, PA, John (Beth) of Monaca, PA and Jason of Indianapolis, IN. He is also survived by his grandchildren Erica Lucente (Vincent), Britni Lakas, Mark Lakas (Jessica) and Jenna Lakas. His great-grandchildren Sofia Lucente, Isabella Lucente, Isla Lucente, Maia Lucente, Maci Jo Lakas, Jayce Lakas and Raylee along with his niece and many nephews who he loved dearly.
Joe grew up on Kiehle Street in Alliquippa and was a 1950 graduate of St. Veronica High School in Ambridge, PA where he met his beautiful wife. He enlisted in the United States Navy during the Korean War where he served for two years aboard the troop carrier USS General William Mitchell and then for two years at the Bethesda Naval Hospital in Bethesda, MD where he obtained Dental Technician Third Class status. After he completed his military service, he was employed by Jones & Laughlin Steel (LTV) in the Electrical Line and Wire Gang where he worked
for over 30 years. Once he retired from J&L he decided to enter into the judicial system and was elected with pride to two terms (12 Years) as a District Justice in Beaver County until he decided to hang up his robe in 1996.
He also volunteered his time and belonged to many organizations throughout his lifetime such as the Fifth Ward Fire Department in Monaca, The Lions Club, The Knights of Columbus and various positions at St. John's Catholic Church. One of his most rewarding volunteer undertakings was being the first CYO basketball coach at St. Johns.
The family would like to that thank the many who helped make his final months as comfortable as possible as he transitioned into eternal life.
If interested, the family would suggest donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital which was one of Joe's favorite charities.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his visitation on Tuesday, June 18th from 2 -4 pm and 6 -8 pm at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, where parting prayers will be offered on Wednesday at 9:30 am followed by a mass of Christian burial at 10 AM at Mary, Queen of Saints Parish (St John the Baptist Catholic Church), Monaca. Burial with military honors will follow in the parish cemetery.
To share online condolences, view Joseph's video tribute, add photos, get directions, please visit www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.