Joseph Soprano Jr.

Joseph James Soprano Jr. passed away Sunday, July 6, 2025, at the age of 58, with his loving family with him, at Allied Hospice Services, Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Joe was born in Bayshore, New York, on Sept. 19, 1966, raised on South Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre, and resided in Hanover Township, Pennsylvania. Affectionately known by many as "Soapie," "Soppy" or "Schmoe," Joe brought laughter, loyalty and heart to every room he entered and to every person he met.

Joe's love for journalism took root at an early age, when he created his own neighborhood newspaper as a child — interviewing neighbors, writing and distributing it with the same energy and passion he would later bring to his professional life. That spark never dimmed. For over 37 years, he dedicated himself to the Times Leader, where he rose to the position of executive editor. His commitment to local journalism, tireless work ethic and unmistakable voice helped shape the paper and earned him deep respect from readers and colleagues alike.

Joe was a graduate of Bishop Hoban High School and a proud graduate and lifelong supporter of Penn State University. Joe served four years as a student manager for the Nittany Lions football team, including during the 1986 National Championship season (deal with it, Jimmy Johnson) — an experience that cemented his lifelong devotion to Penn State athletics and massive support of THON.

It was there he met his wife, Justine, who shared his love of Penn State Football, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, goofy humor and comedic movies. ("Naked Gun," anyone?) He instilled a love for Penn State football within his nephew, Brian, and nieces, Jillian, Amanda, Nicole and Christine. He shared a lifelong loyal fanship of the New York Mets with his brother, Mark, and loved the New York Islanders and the Carolina Panthers, cheering on his teams with equal parts joy, sarcasm, hope and some pretty strong words at times. Penn State tailgating in the Lettermans lot was a ritual.

Joe was also a fan of competitive cycling and a supporter of local triathlons, and participated in many local events.

In addition to his passion for writing and sports, Joe had a deep and abiding love for American history, particularly the Civil War era. He was an avid student of the conflict — reading extensively, collecting books and memorabilia and exploring historical civil war battlefields..

Joe was also known for his strong (and humorous) opinions — including his long-standing and passionate dislike of peanut butter, which he swore off after being fed it far too often as a child. He was stylish in his own way (especially driving his beloved Jeep) and always had a soft spot for a great playlist. Like two of his favorite artists, Tom Petty and Warren Zevon, he left this Earth way too soon.

Joe made life lighter and more joyful for those around him. He loved a good prank, had a nickname for everyone he cared about, and was always ready with a story that could make you laugh, think or both. Ask any of his nieces and nephews about "Uncle Joe's List of Favorites."

Joe was devoted to his family and took enormous joy in being part of their lives. He is survived by his loving wife, Justine (Rominski), and their beloved puppy, Macy May. He will be missed more than words can say by his brother, John Soprano, and wife, Cathy; brother, Mark Soprano; his godson/nephew, Carl Joseph Soprano; and his loving, adoring niece, Jillian Soprano Milroy and her husband, Zach. Joe shared endless laughs with Justine, Mark and his playful sidekicks, CJ and Jill, whether they were making memories road tripping, sharing laughs and board games at Sunday dinner (potato, CJ?) or somehow always leaving restaurants with one less salt shaker, glass or a mysteriously missing steak knife.

His absence will be felt deeply by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Janine and Brian Halchak, with whom he and his wife shared many adventures including an amazing trip to Italy in May of 2024. He was like a second father to their children, his nephew Brian Halchak (make sure you keep supporting Thon, Brian) and his wife, Sarah; and "fellow PSU alum" and niece, Amanda Halchak Cheek and her husband, Austin. ("Carry me, Uncle Jooooe!)

He will be lovingly remembered by his brother-in-law, Joseph Rominski and his wife, Lou Ann; niece, Laina; nephew, Joseph; and goddaughter/niece, Nicole Rominski. He will be sorely missed by his mother-in-law, Joyce Rominski, who was a great source of support and help during his esophageal cancer battle. He is also survived by sister-in-law, Carol Evans; and nieces, Christine and Kelsey Evans.

He was especially proud to be Great Uncle to Adelaide Faye Cheek and Martin William "Mars" Milroy, both of whom brought him endless joy and pride.

Joe was preceded in death by his father, Joseph James Soprano; his mother, Joanne Monahan Soprano; an infant sister, Ruth Gail Soprano; his much-loved Uncle Bill, William A. Monahan; his maternal and paternal grandparents; and his sweet pups, Daisy and Maxie.

Joe will be remembered for his warmth, his humor and his love of reading and music. We hope he's sitting and enjoying talking with Warren Zevon and Tom Petty and maybe even Joe Paterno enjoying some Hi-Way Pizza. He loved traveling to Penn State Football games, N.Y. Mets baseball games, playing his PlayStation and XBox, running with his Fit Chicks group, and forever watching "Law and Order" and "The Sopranos." His legacy lives on in the stories he told, the lives he touched, the laughter he inspired and the memories we hold so dear.

We are so thankful and indebted to the staff at Allied Hospice Services in Scranton for their loving, tender, dignified and respectful care and support shown to Joe and our family (especially Macy) during such a difficult time. Your presence, talks, laughs and kindness brought us peace and comfort when we needed it most and it meant the world to us. You became part of our family.

As Silvio Dante once said, "It's a business of relationships."

Whether you need a laugh, a beer or someone to yell at the Mets or Nittany Lions with, Schmoe had you covered. He wasn't technically a "made" guy, but let's just say … if loyalty, sarcasm and perseverance were currency, Joe died a very rich man.

We love you, Joe. Rest Easy.

Celebration of Joe's life begins Thursday, July 10, 2025. Please wear the gear or colors of his favorite teams, Penn State and N.Y. Mets, for visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. at McLaughlin's, 142 S. Washington St., Wilkes-Barre. The celebration continues there on Friday, July 11, 2025, with a gathering at 9:30 a.m., followed by a funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. in the Church of St. Nicholas - St. Mary.

Donations to Penn State's THON, thon.org, in memory of Joe, are preferred and will honor Joe's memory.

Share memories and condolences with Joe's family at mjmclaughlin.com.