Joseph J. Pokusa

Joseph J. "Butch" Pokusa, 81, of Upper Burrell, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, peacefully at his home. He was the son of the late Joseph and Mary (Staresinic) Pokusa; he was also preceded in death by his sister Dolores Slater and stepson Scott Nuttall. He graduated from Arnold High School in 1962, where he played football, baseball, and basketball. He went on to attend the University of Pennsylvania, where he also played football on a scholarship. He proudly served in the U.S. Army as a veterinary meat inspector at Hormel in Austin, MN. He graduated from Point Park College with a BA degree in accounting. He worked for several companies as a controller. He enjoyed movies and discussing sports and politics. He was an avid Pitt and Steelers football fan. He loved his winter home in Ocala, FL, and especially cruising on the Disco Cruise. He had a love for dancing and polkas. He was a member of Logan's Ferry Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder and sang in the choir. He was a life member of Kinloch VFD. He loved barbecuing and was the best chef for making London broil. He is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years, Debby (Utts) Pokusa of Upper Burrell; his children, Jodie Thomas of Largo, FL, Tina Pokusa of Lower Burrell, Anthony (Lori) Pokusa of Monroeville, Erica (Michael) Lalle of Canton, GA, and Denise (Kirk) Rhoades of Holly Springs, NC; two stepsons, Todd (fiancee Samantha Novak) Nuttall of Lower Burrell and William Nuttall of Upper Burrell; grandchildren, Cara (Ben Loftus) Pokusa and Samantha (Tyler Dunham) Pokusa, Trevor and Andrea Thomas, Brenden, Eric, Hannah Lalle, Noah, Mia, and Matthew Rhoades, Owen Nuttall, and Jackson, Camryn, and Brady Nuttall; two great-grandchildren; his sister, Mary Jayne Stuart; and several nieces and nephews. Joe will be remembered as a true family man and a great friend. Family and friends will be received from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, and Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at FRANK F. GIGLER FUNERAL HOME INC., Robert P. Karish, Supervisor, 2877 Leechburg Road, Lower Burrell. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, at Logans Ferry Presbyterian Church, 750 Church St., New Kensington, with Rev. Tim Sweigart officiating. (Everyone, please meet at church). Memorial contributions can be made to http://bloodcancerunited.org or http://donorservices.alz.org. (724)-335-6500 www.giglerfuneralhome.com.