Joseph "Red" George Severnak

Joseph George Severnak, 85, of Port Griffith passed away April 7 peacefully at home after a brief illness.

Born in Port Griffith, son of the late Mary (Karaffa) and George Severnak, Joseph graduated from Jenkins Township High School in 1951.   Joseph, also known as Red, was a lifelong member of St. John the Baptist Parrish which later combined with St. John the Evangelist in Pittston.   Joseph started working at Muskin Pool in 1958 and retired after 47 years of employment there.   Joseph was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will be sadly missed by family and friends.  In retirement Joseph passed the time by tending to his garden, watching the Phillies and the Eagles and keeping tabs on his youngest 2 grandsons, his best buddy and his best boy.   He was an active member of Jenkins Twp Senior Citizens where he was frequently seen calling bingo and a member of the Slovak League of America.

Surviving are his wife of 57 years Sylvia (Goginsky) Severnak, his 3 children Kevin Severnak, Kingston, Lisa Severnak-Silva and husband Peter, Duryea, and George Severnak and wife Nancy, Bloomingburg, NY.   Joseph was blessed with 5 grandchildren, Richard and Chris Jolicoeur, Erin Nates-Severnak and Jacob and Cole Severnak-Silva, and 1 great grandchild, Ronni Nates-Severnak.  Also surviving are his sister Arlene Spak and husband Gabe of Bear Creek and brother Jack Severnak and wife Beverly of Wyoming along with many in-laws, nieces and nephews.   Joseph was predeceased by his parents and brothers Teddy and George.

Funeral services for Joseph will be held on Friday at 10:30 A.M. from Kniffen O’Malley Leffler Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc. 728 Main Street, Avoca, with a Mass of Christian Burial to be held on Friday at 11:00 A.M. in St. John the Evangelist Church, 35 William Street Pittston, PA 18640.  Interment will be held at the convenience of the family.  Friends may call on Thursday from 6 to 8 P.M. In lieu of flowers donations in Joseph’s memory may be made to the Make Life Count Charity, 245 Owen Street, Swoyersville, PA 18704.