Joseph Grella, 75, of Duryea, formerly of Avoca, passed away Friday, March 18th at Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Dunmore. Born in Avoca, January 7th, 1941, he was the son of the late Frank and Mildred (Babiarz) Grella.
Joseph was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church (Nativity of Our Lord Parish), Duryea. He was a graduate of Avoca High School and a graduate of the University Of Scranton with a bachelor’s degree in Economics. Joseph then joined the United States Marine Corp. Reserve. Throughout his life, he worked in the construction field, he was employed by Conrail Railroad Co. and retired from Asplundh Tree Service. He was a social member of the Duryea and Avoca VFW. Joseph was an avid outdoorsmen; he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family and friends. He was a very devoted Christian and a man of his faith. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his life. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him and loved him.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Frank.
Joseph is survived by his wife of 52 years, the former JoAnn (Laciano) Grella; his daughters, Mary Ann Ward and her husband, Joseph of Lake Ariel and Marie and her husband, Lee Breymeier of Lake Ariel; his brothers, John of Avoca and Richard and his wife, Paulette of Duryea. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Robert Bejeski and his wife, Angelia; Chris Bejeski and wife, Stephanie; Michael Bejeski and his fiancé, Tanya; Joseph Ward and his wife, Amanda; and Natalie Ward; as well as great-grandchildren Benjamin, Robbie, Cody, Christopher, Mya and Noah and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 23rd at 9:00am from Kiesinger Funeral Services Inc., 255 McAlpine St., Duryea with a mass of Christian burial at 9:30am at Nativity of Our Lord Parish Church, Stephenson St., Duryea with Fr. John V. Polednak officiating. Friends may call on Tuesday evening, March 22nd from 5-8pm. Interment will be held at SS Peter and Paul Cemetery, Avoca. Also memorial services will be held for Joseph on Thursday afternoon, March 24th at 4:00pm at the Revival Baptist Church, 2020 N. Main St., Scranton with Pastor Randy Bloem officiating.