Joseph S. Federici, 93, DuBois, passed away on Saturday, May 12, 2012, at Christ the King Manor.
Born on Feb. 19, 1919, in DuBois, he was the son of the late Fred and Clara (Muffie) Federici.
He was a graduate of DuBois Area High School class of 1937, Findlay College in 1946 and received his master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh.
He was a retired DuBois Area High School teacher having taught for 35 years. He also coached football, basketball and track for 17 years.
Mr. Federici was a lifelong member of St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, DAEA, Retired Teachers Association on local, state and national levels and Reserve Officers Association of Washington D.C. He enjoyed jogging, dancing, spending time with his grandchildren, reading, sports and all family activities.
He was a World War II veteran, then continued to serve for more than 25 years in the United States Army Reserves Fourth and Ninety Second Field Artillery units. He was recalled during the Berlin Crisis and retired many years later as a lieutenant colonel.
Mr. Federici is survived by three daughters: Pamela Jo Cornely of Pittsburgh, Linda F. Knisely of DuBois and Rebecca F. (Dennis) Raybuck of DuBois; nine grandchildren: Douglas, Jo Michele, Jonathan, Jennifer, J. Shawn, D. Jason, Danielle, Michael and Kimberly Rose; and 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Julia Suplizio and Shirley Radaker, his long-time loving companion Rose Rigard of Brockway, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Doris (Stettler) Federici ,whom he married on Sept. 6, 1941, and who passed away on May 29, 1987; his second wife, Laurel Carlson; five brothers: George, James (Babe), Theodore (Shad), Rudolph, and Lorenzo (Bert) and infant brother, John; and three sisters: Frances Sherkosky, Antoninette (Wootsie) Vinzani, and Viola Snyder.
Friends will be received at the Mohney-Yargar Funeral Chapel, Inc., DuBois, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Monday.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 15, with the Rev. Msgr. Richard Siefer as celebrant. Burial will be in Morningside Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by the members of the DuBois Area Honor Guard.
Published McLean Publishing Co. (PA) Tri-County Edition Saturday, May 12, 2012