Joseph Masi

J oseph A. Masi, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away on Feb. 17, 2007, at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, after a prolonged illness.
Joseph was born Feb. 4, 1924, a son of the late Anthony and Nellie Masi of Rome, Italy. Joseph was born in Wilkes-Barre and graduated from Coughlin High School in 1942. He was a member of St. Mary’s Maternity Church, Wilkes-Barre, and the DAV.
Immediately after high school, Joseph served honorably in the United States Marine Corps and received many medals and awards, including two Purple Hearts. In 1945, Joseph received his first Purple Heart for injuries he suffered during intense fighting as a first-line machine-gunner on the island of Okinawa. In 1952, he received a second Purple Heart for injuries suffered during the Korean War. Joseph was honorably discharged from the Marines as a master sergeant.
After his military service, Joseph worked at the Tobyhanna Army Depot for 25 years, retiring in 1980. Joseph was married to the late Matilda Zavislak, resided in the Heights section of Wilkes-Barre, and had four children and five grandchildren.
Joe was a hunter, fisherman and craftsman. He was a great outdoorsman, and he could be routinely found searching for pipinki mushrooms and picking blueberries. He found great enjoyment in renovating his riverside cabin in Salem Township with his sons Joseph and Brian. He was an avid sports fan and he both cheered for and cursed the Phillies and the Eagles.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Joe volunteered his time to both the Heights Little League and Heights Packers organizations. He closely followed his sons sporting events at GAR High School.
Most of all, Joe was a dedicated son, brother, father and grandfather, who was always willing to lend a hand. Joseph was a man of few words, but he led with great actions. He was a true American hero and his family will always remember him this way. He will be greatly missed.
Surviving are his sons Joseph J. Masi and his wife, Pamela, of Bear Creek Township; and Brian Masi and his fiancée, Tracey Roulinavage, of Wilkes-Barre; daughter Victoria Masi and her children, Bryanna, Shelia and Christine, of Wilkes-Barre; grandchildren Elizabeth and Emily Masi, of Bear Creek Township; sister Pearl Perugino, of Wilkes-Barre; sister Mary Ceccoli and her husband, Bob, of Wyoming, Pa.; sister Janet Fruscurti, of West Palm Beach, Fla.; and brother Victor Masi and his wife, Maxine, of California.
Joseph was preceded in death by his wife, Matilda Zavislak; his son, Jeffrey A. Masi, who died in 1988; and his two brothers Jerry Masi, of Wilkes-Barre, and Leno Masi, of Philadelphia.
The funeral will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2007, from the Robert Bednarski Funeral Home, 27 Park Ave., Wilkes-Barre. The funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. from St. Mary’s Maternity Church, Park Avenue, with the Rev. John S. Terry officiating.
Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Entombment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Twp.