Joseph J. Malast

Joseph J. Malast, 81, of Avoca, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2025, at Allied Services Hospice, Wilkes-Barre.

Born in Wilkes-Barre on Feb. 3, 1944, he was a son of the late Stephen and Jean (Norwillo) Malast.

Joseph was a 1964 graduate of Plains Memorial High School. He is an Army Veteran having served with the 24th Infantry Division.  Joseph worked for Luzerne Products of Plainsville and Tobyhanna Army Depot for 30 years.

He enjoyed fishing with his late wife, Dorothy and antiquing at many locations. He also enjoyed watching WVIA Pa Polka and the many musical programs on RFDTV.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy (Verespy) Malast.

Joseph is survived by his daughter, Gina Archer (Brian); granddaughters, Emily, Cate and  Elizabeth; brother, Stephen Malast; sister, Christine Murphy (Fred); nieces, Jeanean Freeland (Cindy), Tina Luff (Ted), Martha Gensel (Allen), Stephanie Marbukh (Alex), Krystle Murphy and Mila Marbukh; nephews, Zack Yordy, and Logan and Dakota Gensel; stepchildren, Nancy Lewandowski (James) and their daughter, Katie, Charles Hick (Megan) and David Hick (Beckey).

A memorial service will be held on April 14, 2025, at Kniffen O’Malley Leffler Funeral & Cremation Services, Wilkes-Barre from 12PM-1PM, with a 1PM service. Interment will immediately follow the service at St. Mary’s Cemetery.