Joseph John Pehala Jr.

February 23, 2010

Joseph John Pehala Jr., 60, of Wyndgate Boulevard, Drums, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010, at his home. He was born in Wilkes-Barre on May 16, 1949, a son of Anna Wallace Pehala and the late Joseph J. Pehala Sr. He was raised in Warrior Run and graduated from Warrior Run Elementary School. He was a graduate of E. L. Meyers High School, Wilkes-Barre, where he excelled as a member of its baseball team. He also attended Wilkes-Barre Vocational Technical School and was trained in metal shop. He was offered a baseball contract by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1966. He was employed by Atwater Throwing Co. and was also employed as a machinist at Kannar's. He was employed for over 20 years with the local carpenter union, serving as a journeyman carpenter. On September 14, 1968, at the age of 19, he married his wife, the former Gail Ann Gittens. In 1969, they had their first son, Joseph Allen Pehala. The family moved to the Drums area, where they built their home of over 30 years in 1976. This is the year they began a life of being foster parents. For over 30 years Joseph and Gail have taken in numerous numbers of children, for both short- and long-term care. They have also been lucky to adopt children. The family hopes to continue to foster children and also is a promoter of the idea of adoptive and fostering services. Joseph was active in several community organizations, such as the Hazleton Area Wrestling Booster Club, Conyngham Valley Civic Organization, foster parent organization and the Conyngham Historical Society. He also served as a manager of many baseball teams. Both he and Gail were active trustees in their church. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior, and is now resting in the comfort of his loving arms. Throughout his life, he was devoted husband, father and grandfather to his entire family. He is survived by his mother, Anna Pehala, Warrior Run; his wife of 41 years, Gail Pehala, at home; sons, Joseph Pehala and his wife, JoEllen, Drums, Cody, Justin and Quatique Pehala, all at home; daughters, Krista, Sugarloaf Township, Amithyst and Nanique Pehala, both at home; grandchildren, Gabrielle Reimard and husband, Jeremy, Conyngham, Haylee and Nevada Pehala, both of Drums; great-grandson, Shane Reimard; sister, Karen Pehala Homnack and companion, Michael Olshefski, Warrior Run; brother, Paul Pehala and his wife, Susan, Wanamie; as well as several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday from the George A. Strish Inc. Funeral Home, 105 N. Main St., Ashley, with Pastor Kevin Straka officiating. Interment will be on Monday in Maple Grove Cemetery, Lake Township. Family and friends may call on Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m.