Joseph A. Hvozdovic Sr.

     Mr. Joseph A. Hvozdovic Sr., 90, a well-known and respected resident of Wilkes-Barre's Parsons neighborhood, passed into eternal life Thursday, the afternoon of January 2nd while a patient in the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, following a recent illness.

     Born in Wilkes-Barre on Sunday, March 25, 1934, he was the last of three sons to the late Andrew A. and Anna (Koval) Hvozdovic.  Educated in the city schools, he was a 1952 graduate of the former James M. Coughlin High School, Wilkes-Barre.

     Following his formal education, Mr. Hvozdovic proudly served our country with the United States Army during the Korean Conflict being stationed in Kiyaa, Puerto Rico.  At the time of his Honorable Discharge from military duties, he earned the rank of Specialist Third Class.

     Upon his return from the Korean Conflict, Mr. Hvozdovic, having a talent for music and being a good trumpet player was a member of the Stan Mill Trio who played various venues in the Wyoming Valley for over fifty years.  It was about this time he married the former Joanne Murphy.  The couple shared nineteen years of married life together until her untimely passing on June 3, 1976.

     Until his formal retirement, Mr. Hvozdovic was employed for many years as an upholsterer for the former Craft Associates, later Comfort Designs.  Despite being retired, Mr. Hvozdovic did not sit idly by.  He then took employment for some time with the Sather's Candy local distribution plant in Pittston Township.

     A devout Catholic, he held membership in Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Parish, Plains Township.  Fraternally and socially, he was a life member and past president of the North End Slovak Citizens' Club; a life member of the Brookside Post #837 of the American Legion and held membership in the Knights of Columbus Council Assumpta Council #3987 of Luzerne.

     Mr. Hvozdovic will always be remembered for his smile, a wave and a warm greeting whenever his path crossed someone he knew.  He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

     Besides his beloved wife Joanne, Joe was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Darlene M. (Kalinowski) Hvozdovic on June 22, 2016; by his twin brother, Mr. Andrew J. "Butch" Hvozdovic on July 11, 2018 and most recently by brother Bernard P. Hvozdovic Sr. on April 18, 2020 and sister-in-law, Charlotte Hvozdovic on March 26, 2020.

     Left to hold dear all the wonderful memories they keep of their father are his children; Joleen Matchko and her husband Joe of the Parsons section of Wilkes-Barre; Joseph A. Hvozdovic Jr. of Mountain Top and Jerome Hvozdovic, along with his wife Lori of Jacksonville, N.C.; Grandchildren, Nicole, Matthew and Jonathan Hvozdovic; Sister-in-law, Mrs. Margaret Louise Hvozdovic, North Wilkes-Barre; Several nephews, Niece and many dear friends.

     Funeral services for Mr. Hvozdovic will be conducted on Tuesday morning at 8:45 a.m. from the John V. Morris Family Funeral Home Inc., 625 North Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, followed by his Funeral Mass at 9:30 a.m. in Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Parish, 13 Hudson Road, Plains Township.

     The Reverend John C. Lambert, pastor, will serve as celebrant and homilist.

     Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Cemetery, 1594 South Main Street, Hanover Township, where military honors will be accorded by uniformed members of our United States Army.

         Relatives and friends may join the Hvozdovic family for visitation and shared remembrances Monday evening from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

     Mr. Hvozdovic’s family would be honored if those wishing to make a monetary donation in his memory, kindly give consideration to the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1111 East End Boulevard Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711-0030.

     Those unable to attend or who would like to share online words of comfort or a fond memory with the family are encouraged to do so here on his memorial page.  Thank You.

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