Joseph J. Keszkowski

Joseph J. Keszkowski, age 90, 202 N. Fourth Street, Catawissa, died at his home at 7:30 a. m. Thursday, December 13, 2012. He was in failing health for three years.

Born in Beaver Township, Columbia County, on March 4, 1922, he was a son of the late Stanley and Maryann (Pajawski) Keszkowski. He resided in Catawissa for 60 years.

Joe was a 1941 graduate of the former Beaver Township High School and also attended the Williamsport Technical School and took additional classes in Philadelphia.

While living in Philadelphia, he was employed by the RCA Corp., in Camden, New Jersey and upon returning to Beaver Township, he was employed by Westinghouse, Co., Sunbury and later by Sears Roebuck & Co., as a television technician, retiring in 1984.

Joe was a member of St. Columba Catholic Church, Bloomsburg, where he served as an usher. He also was a life member of the Knights of Columbus Council 2290, Bloomsburg and the American Legion Post 541, Catawissa.

He served with the US Navy in the South Pacific during World War II as a Radio Man Third  Class.

He was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed the Philadelphia Phillies and local softball teams.

Joe was preceded in death by four brothers: Frank Keszkowski, who died as an infant; Stanley Keszkowski, Charles Keszkowski and Victor Keszkowski; and a sister, Helen Bolinsky.

Surviving are his wife, the former Rose Marie Shepenas, with whom he celebrated his 60th wedding anniversary on May 24, 2012; a son, Joseph J. Keszkowski, Jr., at home; a daughter, Anita Marie, wife of Jay Steely, Catawissa; three grandchildren: Sarah Steely, Andrew Steely, Emma Steely, all of Catawissa; and four sisters: Antoinette (Tessie) Paluschock, Fern Glen; Florence Grausan, Danville; Clara Zanoline, Berwick; and Sister Jeanette Maria (Jennie Keszkowski), I.H.M., stationed in Shenandoah.

A Mass of Christian will be celebrated on Saturday at 10 a. m. in St. Columba Catholic Church, 342 Iron St., Bloomsburg, with his pastor, Monsignor Robert  E. Lawrence officiating. Interment in New Rosemont Cemetery, Espy,  with full military honors by the Catawissa area veterans group.

Friends may call  on Saturday from 8:30 to 9:30 a. m. at the Dean W. Kriner, Inc., Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 325 Market St., Bloomsburg. The family will provide flowers.