Joseph Skochen

Joseph R. Skochen, 88, of Shavertown, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, with full military honors at the VA hospice surrounded by his loving daughters.

Born March 22, 1937, in Plains Township, he was the son of the late John Skochen and Pauline Dvornicky Skochen. Joseph was a graduate of Plains High School, Class of 1956, and was a member of All Saints Parish, Plymouth.

He was a proud U.S. Army Veteran who enlisted as a military policeman and achieved the rank of E7 Sergeant First Class (SFC) during the Vietnam War Era. SFC Skochen retired from the PA Army National Guard after twenty years of service and continued to support all veterans as a member of the Amvets Post 59 Breslau, Hanover Township, the Plymouth VFW 1425, and the American Legion Post 609, Hanover Township.

Prior to his retirement, he was employed by State Correctional Institution, Dallas, as a correctional officer. Joe also worked as the meat manager at the A&P Store in Shickshinny and various other locations, and Thomas's Meat Market in Larksville.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, the former Bernadette A. Bitsko, on July 10, 1994. Joe cherished Bernie, and together they raised two beautiful daughters and devoted themselves to each other. Sisters, Anne Brazinski and Mary Sholtis, and brother, John Skochen, also preceded him.

Surviving are his loving daughters, Sharon Amrowski (David), with whom he resided in Shavertown, and Diane Brzozowski (Daniel), Plymouth Township; grandchildren, Emily and Calvin Brzozowski; sisters, Sophie Kryzwicki, Plains Township; Josephine Polinski (Michael), Plains Township; and Rosalie Sorbelli, Wilkes Barre; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at S.J. Grontkowski Funeral Home, 530 West Main St., Plymouth.

Funeral and military service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday from S.J. Grontkowski Funeral Home, Plymouth.

Joseph's family would like to extend a special thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff of the VA Medical Center and Hospice, especially Dr. Ronald Nardell.

To share condolences with Joseph's family, visit www.sjgrontkowskifuneralhome.com.