Joseph “Zeke” Kazista

Joseph (Zeke) Kazista, 77, of Roaring Brook Twp., peacefully passed away Wednesday at Geisinger Community Medical Center, Scranton, surrounded by his loving family. His wife is the former Jane Politofski.

Born in Old Forge, he was the son of the late George and Anna Kazista. He was a graduate of Old Forge High School, Class of 1963, and a member of St. Catherine of Siena Church, Moscow. He was retired from being employed by AT&T Long Lines Satellite Station in Hawley, Pennsylvania.

Joe proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Navy and was a Veteran of the Vietnam War. In his earlier years, he belonged to numerous softball teams and bowling leagues. He also belonged to the Bell Golf League for many years and enjoyed many trips to Myrtle Beach, where he would take great delight in listening to the “Dueling Pianos” at Crocodile Rocks Piano Bar.

In 1985, he married the love of his life, Jane, and together they recently celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary on November 3rd. Both he and Jane loved to travel extensively, their favorite vacation spot being Hawaii. They also enjoyed many trips to Augusta, Georgia for the yearly Masters Tournament. Most of all, however, they loved cruising Lake Wallenpaupack and Lake Winola in their pontoon boat “The Crazy Jane.”

Joe was a present member of the Taurus Club in Scranton and former associate member of the Elmhurst Country Club as well as a former member of the Scranton Canoe Club, Patte’s Sports Bar & Cigar Club in Wilkes-Barre, and the Victor Alfieri Society of Scranton. He also enjoyed spending time with other members of his family, particularly going on family outings to many sporting events, celebrating his birthday with his nephew William (Bill) whose birthday is one day apart from his own and, as a passionate “foodie,” enjoying delicious holiday meals cooked by his sister-in-law Judy, a fellow “foodie.”

The family would like to thank the caregivers at both the first floor 12 North Group of Allied Services and the eighth floor of Geisinger CMC for their outstanding medical care. Jane would like to personally thank Joe’s friend and golf buddy Bill Green for always calling her on the phone to inquire about Joe’s condition. The family also wishes to thank Fr. Thomas Muldowney of St. Catherine of Siena Parish and Christopher James of Vanston and James Funeral Home for their kindness and assistance to the family during this time of need.

Joe is survived by his wife, Jane, of Roaring Brook Twp.; nephew William Caputo and sister-in-law Judy Caputo, both of South Abington, Twp.,

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by a brother Monsignor Francis G. Kazista of Silver Spring, Maryland, who passed away in 2020.

As per the family’s wishes, there will be no public calling hours.

Private entombment, Fairview Memorial Park, Elmhurst Twp., Pa.

Arrangements have been entrusted to and are under the care and direction of Vanston and James Funeral Home, Scranton.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Memory of Joe to St. Catherine of Siena Church, 220 Church St. Moscow, Pa 1844.

To share a memory or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.vanstonandjames.com

8 Comments

  1. Neil Kalaus

    Zeke was a great man and you knew it would always good time when you were with him. Your beautiful memories of time well spent with Zeke will help you through this difficult journey. Sorry for your loss. Neil and Barb.

  2. Ralph Marino

    Jannie, OMG he was one of my favorite people…love you both.
    Ralph

  3. So sorry to hear of the passing of Joe, a goid friend and member of my high school class of 1963. RIP.

  4. Peggy and bill edwards

    So very sorry to hear of Zekes passing our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Peggy and bill

  5. Barbara Krushinsky

    My sincerest condolences to Janie, Judy, Billie and families. Zeke was a wonderful person and will be dearly missed. Prayers and love to all of you and to everyone who knew and loved him.

  6. Mary Ann (Snarski) Eastman

    Joseph Zeke Kazista:
    Jane,
    I am so very sorry for your loss. Joe was a great guy. I have so many years of wonderful and funny memories. Rest in Peace Joe.
    Mary Ann (Snarski) Eastman

  7. Anthony Boccardo

    Jane,
    very sorry for your loss… Zeke was a great guy.
    You’re in our prayers.
    Butch & Donna Boccardo

  8. Adam Chase

    On behalf of Old Forge American Legion Post 513, please accept our humble condolences at the loss of your loved one and our comrade Joseph, who was a 52 year member of the organization. May the grace of God and wonderful memories console you at this most difficult time.

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