He was born in Scranton. the son of the late Roman and Sibylla Heider Hook. He was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s of the Assumption Church. He was the owner and operator of Joseph R. Hook Canvas and Awnings, Cedar Avenue, Scranton for many years.

    He learned his trade from some of the best in the business while living and working in the Detroit, Michigan area and working with the three big auto makers of the time. He returned to Scranton every opportunity he had to be with family and friends, eventually returning for good and opening a small shop on Cedar Avenue. He moved to a larger location on Cedar Avenue as his business grew and now employed several others. He became very well know for his craftsmanship regarding automotive interiors and ragtops. Customers would travel to him from all over the United States and some from foreign countries. It wasn’t uncommon for the word to get around town that a prestigious automobile or owner of that auto was arriving at 408 Cedar Avenue on a certain day and time, and when that time arrived Cedar Avenue would be swamped, sometimes to the point of closing down that block, with onlookers just hoping to get a glimpse of what or who was arriving. Many were disappointed when the vehicle would arrive but not the owner and others were there just to see the vehicle. His ability to transform and restore automobile interiors in everything from the current days models to antiques, and even water craft, was featured in several automotive related magazines over the years.

    After returning to Scranton he turned down offers of employment from several of the major auto makers and one from one of the largest antique car collections in the world to remain in his hometown of Scranton which he loved very much. He was a kind and giving person who persevered through many personal hardships and still remained eager to help anyone in need no matter what the cost to himself. He will be missed with tears in our eyes.

    Joe was always willing to teach or help anyone wanting to learn. There was once a young boy who learned much of what he knows regarding his current career from Joe and to this day attributes his success in building and continued operation of a multi-million dollar company to the workmanship and values he learned from Joe Hook.

    Surviving are 7 grandchildren, Maureen Brady, William Brady, Robert Brady, Elaine Brady, Michelle Brady and Joanne Brady all of Scranton, Nicole Brady, Wilkes Barre; 22 great grandchildren, 2 great, great grandchildren.

    He was preceded in death by a brother, August "Gus" Hook, October 3, 1969; a son, William "Billy" Brady, August 9, 1981.