William Joseph Jr.

With heavy hearts and profound sadness, we announce the passing of William M. Joseph Jr., 67, of Mountain Top, who was called home to the Lord on July 15, 2025.

Born in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late William M. Joseph, Sr., and Catherine Ferris Joseph. He graduated from E.L. Meyers High School in 1976 and earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from King's College.

In high school, Bill excelled in track and field, setting the state's record for the longest javelin throw, which stood unchallenged for many years.

Bill dedicated forty-five years to the banking industry as a loan officer, working at institutions including Merchants Bank (later Wyoming National Bank), Hanover National Bank, Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, and PS Bank in Wyalusing, where he served as Senior Vice President and Senior Loan Officer before retiring in 2024.

In 2019, Bill was honored with the Council's Award from FHL Bank Pittsburgh for his outstanding leadership in community investment, recognizing his unwavering support for small business development and deep professional and community commitment.

Bill was a founding member, board member and longtime treasurer of the Jonathan Grula Memorial Foundation, and served on the board of the Wyalusing Chamber of Commerce. He especially loved golfing with his grandson Josh, traveling, and cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Yankees, and Philadelphia 76ers. But more than anything, time with family and friends brought him his greatest joy.

In 1979, Bill met the love of his life, Joanne Reilly. They shared a beautiful life and forty-three years of marriage filled with deep love. He was a proud and devoted father to their daughter Jillian-his "daddy's girl" from the moment she was born. His bond with his grandson Josh was pure and special — a true friendship and love between generations. As a brother, he shared a close and enduring connection with his only sibling, Linda, grounded in deep love and mutual support.

Bill was always there for family, friends and even strangers when needed. His strength, gentleness, kindness and integrity were constants. And his playful sense of humor often surfaced unexpectedly, like when he'd excitedly show off the photos he'd just taken on his phone, eager to share the "great job" he did.

Surviving to cherish his memory are his wife, Joanne; daughter, Jillian and her partner, Lori, of Kingston; grandson, Joshua Dennis, of Kingston; sister, Linda Joseph, of Wilkes-Barre; along with extended family, several nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

A celebration of Bill's life will take place Monday at McLaughlin's, 142 S. Washington St., Wilkes-Barre. Visitation begins at 3 p.m., and a Funeral Liturgy starts at 6 p.m.

Donations to The Jonathan Grula Memorial Foundation, 1144 Spruce St., Wilkes-Barre Twp., PA 18702; or Medical Oncology Associates Prescription Assistance Fund, 382 Pierce St., Kingston, PA 18704, are preferred and will honor Bill's memory.

Share memories and condolences with Bill's family at mjmclaughlin.com.