Joseph B. Bambera

Joseph B. Bambera, 80, of Carbondale, died Monday, Aug. 23, in the VNA Hospice Unit of Moses Taylor Hospital. He and his wife, the former Irene Kucharski had celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary on April 20.

Born in Simpson, he was the son of the late Charles and Antoinette Pilny Bambera. He attended Fell Township High School and Professional Aids Institute, where he was licensed as a dental technician.

He served in World War II as a member of the 8th Air Force, 457 Bombadier Group stationed in England.

He was employed prior to retirement at Farview State Hospital, Waymart as a Dental Technician and also owned Bambera's Dental Lab, Carbondale.

He was a member of St. Rose of Lima Church, Carbondale.

He was an avid sportsman and a member of both the Sunset Lodge, Equinunk and the Analomink Fishing Club. He loved spending time with his family at the lake and traveling. He was an avid Boston Red Socks fan and spent time with Ted Williams and other ball players. One of his most memorable experiences was a private audience with Pope John Paul II.

He was a kind and loving husband, father and grandfather; who loved his family and will be sorely missed.

He is also survived by a daughter and son in law, Karen and Charles Hoffman of Stroudsburg; a son, Monsignor Joseph C. Bambera, pastor of St. Mary's Church, Dickson City; a sister, Martha Voinski of Scranton; two grandchildren, Charles and Elizabeth Hoffman; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Andrew and Edward; and two sisters, Antoinette Lathrope and Irene Bednarczyk.

The funeral will be held on Friday, Aug. 27, from the Joseph W. Scotchlas Funeral Home, Inc., 621 Main Street, Simpson, with a Mass at 10:30 a.m. in St. Rose of Lima Church, Carbondale, to be celebrated by his son, Monsignor Joseph C. Bambera. Interment in Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Finch Hill.

Friends may call from 1 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26. Military services by V.F.W. Post 4712, Simpson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Rose Church, 6 North Church Street, Carbondale; St. Mary's Church, 1090 Carmalt Street, Dickson City or VNA Hospice Program, 301 Delaware Avenue, Olyphant.