Joseph Stezar

Joseph Stezar, Sterling, died Tuesday morning at home surrounded by his loving family after courageously battling Alzheimer’s Disease.  His wife of 42 years is the former Mary Ellen Bennie.

Born 1956 in Scranton, he was the son of the late Jerome and Margaret Lydon Stezar and was a graduate of Scranton Technical High School and Lackawanna Community College.  He was a member of the St Thomas More-St Mary’s Parish Community, Lake Ariel.  Prior to his illness, Joe worked at WW Norton/National Book Company.  He was a former TriCounty Little League coach, fostered dogs for One Life To Live Pet rescue until they found their forever home.    He also served his community as a former Sterling Township Supervisor.

Joe lived a full life, with an endless capacity for joy. You could always see his joy in his large grin, the twinkle in his eye, and his contagious laugh. He found the most joy in any time spent with his wife and sons: including vacations, the beach, a pool day, family reunions, Christmas parties with friends, and listening to music. He truly enjoyed being home with his dogs Gizmo and Jackson, and grand-dogs Precious and Cosmo. His true talent was taking care of family and friends, in whatever way they needed. If you knew Joe, take a moment today to laugh, smile, or send a cheers thinking of the joy he brought you.

Also surviving are sons Ryan Joseph Stezar and Joseph Stezar;   sisters Mary Ellen Weitz and Maureen Scalzo and husband Frank;  brothers Jerome Stezar and companion Patricia Dubroof, Thomas Stezar and wife Carol Ann, Edward Stezar, Robert Stezar and wife Lisa; nieces and nephews; sister in law Margie Kelly and husband Eddie, brother in law Bill Bennie wife Donna;  friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, October 15th at 10am in the St Thomas More Church 105 Tresslarville Rd. Lake Ariel, by Rev. Stephen Stavoy.

Immediately following the Mass a celebration of Joe’s Life will take place at the Evergreen Hill located at 582 Hamlin Hwy, Hamlin, PA 18427

The family asks the memorial contributions be made in Joe’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association 2595 Interstate Drive Suite 100 Harrisburg, PA 17110 or to the One Life to Live Dog Rescue by mailing donation to 1721 Olive St. Scranton, PA 18510 or by visiting www.onelifetoliverescue.com

10 Comments

  1. Marty Sleboda

    My deepest condolences to you and the boys, Mary Ellen. I first met Joe at 11:00 pm on Dec. 6, 1977. I considered Joe a friend since that night. We met in National Book’s parking lot when we both showed up for our first night of work. Through the years working together we had a lot of fun and a lot of laughs. He was a good man and he will be missed.

  2. Mary and John Cook

    Codolences to Mary Ellen and family. We met you when you were the realtor for my mother’s home in Vandling. Later I found we had a mutual friend, Laura H. So sorry about his illness and your loss.

  3. Anne Moran

    Sincere sympathy to the Stezar family.

  4. Mariellen Hetsko

    Mary Ellen and family. Our sincere sympathy for your loss of such a wonderful man.

    You are in our prayers. Dale & Mariellen Hetsko

    October 12, 2021

  5. Nadyne Lichtman Remetz

    It has been many too many years since I last saw Joe. We went thru Audubon together. Very sorry for your loss made worse by Alzheimer’s. Prayers being sent to all the family. May his memory be a blessing. Sincere heartfelt condolences.

  6. Mary Beth Mikolayczak

    Mary Ellen and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

  7. Katie

    I am so sorry for your loss. Sending healing prayers to your family!

  8. Jim Simpson

    Mary Ellen our sincere condolences to you and your family. Our prayers are with you

  9. Mary Cornell

    Mary Ellen,
    Our deepest condolences for your loss. We have so many great memories of the fun times we all had together.
    So sorry we were not able to attend the memorial service. Will continue to keep you and the boys in our thoughts and prayers.
    Love, Mary and Ken

  10. Nancy Costas Breckenridge

    So sorry to hear about Joe. RIP Thinking of your family.

Leave Your Condolences

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.