Joseph Falasca

Joseph Falasca, 80, Shoemakersville, died on the afternoon of Jan. 4, 2007, in his residence.

He was the husband of Liesel P. (Gothe) Falasca. They had been married for 36 years.

Born in Tamaqua, he was a son of the late Emido and Antonietta (Tredicine) Falasca.

He was a 1944 graduate of Tamaqua High School and he attended Pennsylvania Military College, now Widener University.

He enlisted in the Army during World War II and served in the Philippines from 1944 to 1945. Falasca enlisted in the Marines in 1948 and later served during the Korean War in HQ Battalion of the 11th Marine Artillery of the First Marine Division. He also served with distinction during the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1968, retiring as a master sergeant.

After over two decades of military service, he began employment as a cost accountant for General Battery, Reading, retiring in 1983.

Selfless, outgoing and always giving to others, he was a member of World Affairs Council of Reading, the YMCA International Committee, Blandon Lions Club and the Berks County Senior Citizens Council, where he volunteered as a tax preparer.

He also is survived by three daughters: Heidi M. McGarvey, New Jersey; and Diane Parker and Marilyn Hartsock, both of California; and two sons, Joseph Falasca and Anthony Falasca, both of California.

Other survivors include five sisters: Rose Hechinger, Anna Rohrbach and Jean McLaughin, all of Reading; Amelia Stack, Boston Lake, N.Y.; and Florina Martin, Tamaqua.

There are also seven grandchildren: Zachary, New Jersey; and Sherri, Pamela, Craig, Dina, Debra and Kristen, all of California.

He was predeceased by a sister, Bessie (Falasca) Paslawsky; and a brother, Anthony Falasca.

Services will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the Mae A. Stump Funeral Home Inc., 117 W. Main St., Fleetwood. Burial with military honors will be in Leesport Cemetery. Family and friends may view and visit Tuesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and Wednesday from 10 a.m. until time of service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to YMCA International Committee, 631 Washington St., Reading, PA 19601.