Joseph J. Sharaba

April 17, 2024

Joseph J. Sharaba, 86 of Plains Township, passed away Wednesday morning, April 17, 2024 at his home with his family by his side.

Born on March 12, 1938 in Wilkes-Barre, PA, he was the son of the late John and Helen (Filicko) Sharaba.

Joe was a graduate of James M. Coughlin High School, Wilkes-Barre, Class of 1955, and King’s College, Class of 1959, with a Bachelor’s of Art Degree in Education.  He married the love of his life, the former Carol Ann Rigoni on June 13, 1959, and began his first teaching assignment in Elmira, New York in the fall of 1959. Joe would shortly return to the Wyoming Valley and begin teaching English and History at the Wyoming Area School District for 42 years, until his retirement in 2001.

He was a member of the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) and the National Education Association (NEA).  Always the student, Joe loved technology and photography.  He turned his love of photography into a rewarding business.  His profound faith guided him throughout life.

 In December 2017, technology, medicine and a vast team of compassionate individuals made it possible for Joe to enjoy an extended lease on life.  Joe’s unwavering determination, faith and courage blessed him with 6 active and happy years on this earth. He treated each day as a gift, and so did his family.

He was preceded in death by his sisters Rita Shurmanek, Florence Biros, and Eleanor Banyar.

Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Carol (Rigoni) Sharaba, Plains, daughters Kim Clothier and her husband Paul, Lititz, PA, Connie Barchock and her husband Keith, Harvey’s Lake, and Leah Brzycki and her husband Kevin, grandchildren Ian and Nicholas, nieces and nephews.

Joe’s family wishes to express our heartfelt gratitude to Geisinger GWV and Danville advanced cardiac medical and surgical physicians and staff, the LVAD team and support group, Hospice of the Sacred Heart and everyone who shared in Joe’s care.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday April 22, 2024 at 10:00 am at Corpus Christi Parish, Immaculate Conception Church, 605 Luzerne Avenue, West Pittston, PA  18643.  Private inurnment will be held at the convenience of the family.  Family and friends may call Monday morning from 9:00 am until the time of mass at church.  Arrangements entrusted to the Corcoran Funeral Home, Inc., 20 South Main Street  Plains, PA  18705.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Corpus Christi Parish, Immaculate Conception Church, in memory of Joe.