On April 21, 2016, Joseph J. Canterini of Plains Township passed away peacefully at home.

Born on December 31, 1951, he was the son of Eva (Pientka) Canterini of Plains and the late Joseph Canterini.

Joe was a graduate of Plains Memorial High School. He furthered his education by earning his BA in Education from King’s College, Wilkes-Barre, and then earned his Masters’ Degree. Joe started his career at Keystone Job Corp in Drums and later accepted a position teaching English in the Wilkes-Barre Area School District in 1994. He retired as a respected and beloved teacher from Plains-Solomon Jr. High School in 2014.

Joe was elected Commissioner of Plains Township in 1987 where he served honorably for many years. He also served as Secretary and Treasurer of the Plains Lions Club and was a lector at Sacred Heart Church, Plains, and currently SS. Peter & Paul Church. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed spending most of his time at his summer residence on Lake Wallenpawpack. He was a lifelong member of the ITLO Club, Hilldale, and was a diehard New York Yankee fan.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Joseph & Annunziata Canterini and John and Anna Pientka.

Surviving in addition to his mother Eva are his wife of 41 years, the former Janice Biondi, daughter Tracy Canterini and her partner Kelly Novak, Hughestown, grand pup Hamlet, several nieces and nephews.

Funeral will be held Monday, April 25, 2016 at 9:00 am at the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street Plains, PA 18705 with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 am in SS. Peter & Paul Church 13 Hudson Road Plains, PA 18705, with Father John C. Lambert, Pastor, officiating. Interment will be held in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Plains. Friends and family may call Sunday afternoon from 2:00 to 5:00 pm at the funeral home.

Memorial donations if desired may be made to SS. Peter & Paul Church Food Pantry 13 Hudson Road Plains, PA 18705.