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Semian Funeral Home

704 Union St

Taylor, Pennsylvania

Joseph Sluck Obituary

Joseph "Jumbo" Sluck of Taylor died Thursday afternoon at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital after a courageous battle. He is survived by his wife, Jeana Lalak Sluck, and together they celebrated 36 years of marriage after falling in love as high school sweethearts.

Born in Scranton on Sept. 6, 1956, Joe is the son of Dorothy Sienkiewicz Sluck, Taylor, and the late Joseph Sluck. He was a 1974 graduate of Riverside High School, where he played football and made lifelong friendships. Joe was an excellent chef and began his catering career at Grasso's Restaurant and continued at Pine Hills Golf Course, Elmhurst Country Club, Sluck Catering, Sluckie's Luncheonette, and was most recently the co-owner of Memorable Occasions, Duryea.

He was a lifelong parishioner of St. George's Orthodox Church. Joe was also a devoted Riverside Viking, and was always there to support and feed the athletic programs at Riverside over the years. He enjoyed spending his time with friends and family. Joe especially cherished the time he got with his three grandchildren at home and Knoebels Amusement Park.

Also surviving are a daughter, Stephanie; and grandson, Landon, Taylor, Pa.; a son, Joseph and wife, Chelsea; granddaughters, Sadie and Kinley, Levittown, Pa.; a brother, John and wife, Andrea, Raleigh, N.C.; a brother-in- law, Stan Chmielewski, Old Forge, Pa.; a sister-in-law, Rosemary Trescavage and husband, Ed, Moosic, Pa.; a niece, Rebecca Pastrovich and husband, Joseph; nephews, Shane Sluck, Jamie Trescavage and wife, Jessica; and Mike Trescavage and wife, Chrissy; aunts, cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews.

A sister, Lynda Chmielewski, preceded him in death on May 18, 2016.

Joe will be missed mostly for his charisma and generous heart. His nickname, Jumbo, captured his larger than life personality.

Family and friends may call Monday, July 18, at the Semian Funeral Home, 704 Union St., Taylor, from 2 to 6 p.m., with funeral services at 6.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorial contributions to Vikings Helping Vikings, Riverside Elementary West, 300 Davis St., Taylor, PA 18517.

Visit www.semiancares.com to share memories or condolences.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Scranton Times on Jul. 16, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Sluck

Not sure what to say?





Len Roberts

August 15, 2016

Dear Jeanna and family, I am very sadden to learn of Joe's passing and pray that you find peace in God's grace.

Jim Garafola

August 9, 2016

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Lou DeRobertis

August 8, 2016

Words can't describe how sad I am to hear this news. Joe was a great friend, as was Linda. Just awful. My condolences to the entire family. God Bless

Susan Dakun

July 24, 2016

So sorry to have heard the news, may he RIP, my sincerest condolences to the family.

Maureen Gallagher

July 22, 2016

Jeana and Family, my deepest sympathies are with all of you. Joey will be missed by many. It never failed, whenever he saw my parents he asked about me and whenever he saw me he made me feel special.
I will keep you all in my prayers.

Clark Robbins

July 22, 2016

Our deepest sympathies to the family.

Clark D Robbins & Family.

Ernest Richard Kitt

July 19, 2016

Joe was a great man he gave me my first job when I was in high school at St. Stanislas hall in Old Forge. Hard Work, Knowledge, memories, and good times were always at the forefront of the memories that I implement in my career today. My condolences to the family on the loss of a great man. Thanks again Joe!

Chris Meredick

July 19, 2016

The will of life ... by Joseph Sluck Here's to the best of memories and Your alternate education Sir ...And to never be forgotten Miss you pal

Mark Kania

July 19, 2016

Jeanna, Stephanie, Joe, and all of the Sluck Family -- we are so very sorry for your loss -- Joe was a great guy. We are out of town, and just got the news. Sorry that we couldn't be there with you, but you are all in our thoughts and prayers .

Walt Deininger

July 18, 2016

Jeana, Stephanie and Joe - Please accept our most heartfelt condolences for your loss. I was stunned when I heard the news as I don't think I've seen him since my dad's funeral just a little over 4 years ago. As I thought of that I couldn't help but smile as I immediately remembered all of those 4th of July parties he catered for our family. I remembered the laughs that came along with watching him and my dad haggle over the price and then settle it over a shot of Crown Royal. He did an amazing job at those parties and he worked so hard to make everything right, but honestly he made it that it didn't look like work. That was his element, his gift. He treated the event and us as it were his own family. He put a lot of love into what he did for a living and it showed. Jumbo you will be missed but you've left us with endearing memories that will always bring a smile to my face. I'm sure he and Big Walt are up there already at the table planning a big 4th of July party in the sky for next year! I am sorry I was unable to attend the service. Rest in peace Jumbo.

Cory Bowen

July 18, 2016

So sad to hear the news. Jumbo was one of the good ones. My favorite memory is Joe sneaking into the locker room of the carrier dome after we beat Virginia Tech on a last second play. To all the people you touched you will be greatly missed. Thank You for everything

Cory Bowen

Nancy Harvey

July 18, 2016

So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you

Peg Kopko

July 18, 2016

So sorry for your loss.

July 17, 2016

Joe's deep concern for his community, as well as, his love, and work in assisting Riverside High, is an inspiration. Joe worked hard ALL of his life, bringing success and pride to his entire family. In building a successful business, he helped prepare others for success, not only locally, but across this GREAT nation, as I found out, by chance, meeting a successful restaurant owner in Los Angeles, who, originally from Moosic, worked with Joe's catering business.
You did VERY well. God Bless You, Cuz.

The Joneses

July 17, 2016

Rest In Peace Joe, you will be greatly missed!!

Dave Kelley

July 17, 2016

Jeana, Joe, and Steph, It's been almost most 15 year since Joe and the crew traveled to Coopersburg to create a wedding that people are still talking about to this day. :) Joe gave me a job when I desperately needed one and became one of dear friends. He was there for me again when my Dad passed providing guidance and reassurance. I thought of him often and I was looking forward to coming home for a reunion with him this summer. I'm so sorry that our reunion will have to wait. I'll always remember him with fondness in my heart and will miss him dearly. I hope the peace of God can help you through this painful time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Angelo & Dee Pollace

July 17, 2016

We will miss you Jumbo, be at peace. Your family is in our hearts & prayers. Rest now....... Love you

July 17, 2016

Jeana, I'm so sorry for your loss, prayers sent to you and your family . May Joe rest in peace.

Gary DiBileo

July 17, 2016

Dear Sluck Family, So very sorry about your loss of Joe. He was a larger than life man who left his mark and will be missed. I can't be there to express my condolences personally so please accept my heartfelt sympathy. Thoughts and prayers are with you and Joe. May God bless him and keep him always.

peter guitson

July 17, 2016

May you Rest in peace Joe. You were a Great help to many organizations in Duryea. And one of my uncle's best friends.

Kelly Abbott

July 17, 2016

You all have my deepest sympathies in the loss of your loved one. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Much love, Kelly

Nicolle Spencer

July 17, 2016

I will miss u r.i.p joe

LuAnn Harrington-jenkins

July 16, 2016

Jeana. So sorry for your loss. You're in my thoughts <3.

Stephanie Maciolek

July 16, 2016

A few months ago Joe and I saw each other and began catching up on what had been going on in our lives. Someone asked how we knew each other. Joe said "she's like family". That's the way he treated people. Such a great man. Still makes me smile. Thinking of you all... Jeanna, Dorothy, Stephanie and Joe.

July 16, 2016

condolences on Joes passing,prayers for the family.Sandy Leiva

John Kuplinski

July 16, 2016

Dear Jeana, Stephie, & Joey,
We are sorry for the loss of our friend, Joe. I can clearly remember when I first met Joe. We met when he and I got on the bus to go to kindergarten. Our friendship was an enduring one that lasted 55 years. Our friendship started on that day and progressed through our sandlot days of playing football and baseball, through our school years, serving as best man for each other, and then his inclusion of my wife and daughter in our relationship. Joe was my first and best friend for his entire life and will remain so through the rest of my life. I will miss him dearly but I am comforted in having known him. Rest in peace Joe and I will see you again in the hereafter.

John "Pete" Kuplinski, Kim, & Annie

Mike Mallis

July 16, 2016

Jeana, Joe, and Stephanie and family: May God's peace that passes all understanding guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Your wife and Dad was very generous, thoughtful, and talented, of course he was funny, but I would tell him to not be so quiet and shy!!!! We remember y'all fondly. Love, Pastor Mike Mallis and family

July 16, 2016

So sorry for your loss Jeana , Dorothy, Stephanie and family. It was my privilege to know and work with Joey. He will be missed very much.
Barbara Murphy

July 16, 2016

So sorry Jeana and family on your loss. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
JoAnne (Frost) Janci

justine ransom

July 16, 2016

Sorry for your loss. Rip joe.

Kimberlee Snyder-August

July 16, 2016

Jumbo you will be greatly missed!!! My thoughts and prayers are with your family. You were a wonderful friend to me and my family. May you reast easy after your hard fought battle. God speed my friend. Much love to your family.

Joseph desimone

July 16, 2016

Joe,
Thank you for all your support through the years. You gave me my 1st job and took care of me through highschool and into my college years. I'll miss you "Jumbo". Thank you for being in my life.

PATTY BROWN

July 16, 2016

JEANNA, ALL MY LOVE AND SYMPATHY AT THIS MOMENT. MY HEART IS WITH YOU AND STEPHANIE AND YOUNG JOE. PRAYING FOR GOD'S COMFORT.

Sue Logan

July 16, 2016

So, so sorry, Jeanna, Stephanie and your whole family. What a great guy...and what a treat it was to get to know him a bit. God bless you all.

Francine Storm

July 16, 2016

Jenna and family I'm so very sorry for your loss. Sending prayers

Denise Fox-Larry

July 16, 2016

The world lost a great guy Thursday. He wish be missed by all that were lucky enough to know him. Thoughts and prayers go out to the Sluck family

Karen Palonis

July 16, 2016

My deepest condolences to the Sluck family. Joe was full of life and will be missed greatly by many.

Kyle Walters

July 16, 2016

Rest easy Jumbo!!! Your all in my thoughts and prayers!!! God Speed!!!

Howard Doran

July 16, 2016

Joe! We had such fun together taking care of the refreasment stand at the football games and making the players feel at home when you would feed them during doubles and just being a buddy to all the players. I will miss running into you this fall at the games. You were the "iltimate viking fan". Thanks for all you did for the kids! Your buddy "HOWIE"

Bill Palonis

July 16, 2016

My sincere sympathy to all family members in the loss of your beloved Joe Jumbo Sluck. He possessed a unique magnetic personality that upon meeting him made you want to be his friend. He was humorous and his generosity to all was well known. Sadly he has left this world but his memory will be comforting to all who were privileged to have known him. To recall some of his personal traits will surely bring a warm smile to one's face. May he rest in peace with the Lord and may our Lord comfort his family members.

Mike Chisdock

July 16, 2016

Dear Sluck family,
Do not despair, for he will never be forgotten as long as you keep his memory in your heart.

Rich Kelley

July 16, 2016

R.I.P

Joe and Patti McHugh

July 16, 2016

Jeana, Joe, Stephanie and families, we are so sorry for your loss. What a guy, larger than life with a heart that was even bigger. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Charles Henn

July 16, 2016

Joe, You were a good man, your gone to a better place but you will never be forgotten.

Janet Lenns

July 16, 2016

My sympathies to you Jeanna, your children, and your entire family. Joey was unique to say the least and many memories will continue for so many people that will definitely put a smile on our faces.
Peace and love.

Showing 1 - 45 of 45 results

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