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Joseph W. Mullaney

January 11, 2009

Joseph W. Mullaney, Sr., 88, of Moscow, died Sunday in the Moses Taylor Hospital with his family at his side. His wife is the former Edith Hardy, with whom he recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on December 18th.

He was born on July 3, 1920, in Scranton, the son of the late Felix and Mary Graff Mullaney. He attended St. Mary's Grammar School and St. Mary's High School in South Scranton. Prior to retiring in 1983, he was employed for 25 years by the United States Postal Service in Newark, New Jersey, where he also served as union steward.

 He was a US Army veteran of three years foreign service from 1941-1945. His service included six months in ground combat in the European Theatre of Operations. He was a member of the 3rd Battalion 378th Infantry Regiment wire crew and also served as a combat infantryman. During his military service he was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star, European and American Theatre Badges and the Good Conduct Medal. At the time of his passing, he was a member of Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, and 3rd Regiment Combat Infantry Association in Kingston.

 Also surviving besides his wife Edith, are five sons, Jerome and wife Nellie, Bradenton, FL, Joseph Jr. and wife Joanne, Newton, NJ, Robert, New Milford, David, Montclair, NJ, and Daniel and wife Maria, Montclair, NJ; two daughters, Maureen Kelly, and husband Brian, Gouldsboro, Sharon Mundrake, and husband Donald, Lake Ariel; two brothers, Robert Mullaney, Scranton, and Cyril (Pete) Mullaney, Ewing, NJ; a sister, Elizabeth (Betty) Manna, Berkeley Heights, NJ.

 He was preceded in death by two brothers, Jerome who died while serving in the US Navy in the D Day Invasion near Cherbourg, France, in 1944, and Francis; four Sisters, Dolores Mullaney, Alice Polito. Marie Cotter and Ann Boylan.

 He was loved, adored and will be sadly missed by his 15 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. His grandchildren are Sean Mullaney, Shannon Radley, Colleen Hillard, Melissa Ferris, Buddy Mullaney, J.J. Mullaney, Kathleen Sic, Lindsay Kelly, Fallyn Mundrake, Eric Kelly, Alexandra Mullaney, Lauren Mullaney, Amy Kelly, Kelly Mullaney and Christina Mullaney. His great-grandchildren are Alyssa Mullaney, Jocelyn Radley, Ayden Hillard, Hayden Mundrake and Kameron Sic. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

 Joe was a hard worker and devoted family man who will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him. He enjoyed walking, watching sports, an avid reader, a conversationalist and a "walking encyclopedia". He most enjoyed spending time with family, especially his grandchildren.

 He will be remembered for his quick wit and wisdom. He was a man who was proud Irish heritage who celebrated every St. Patrick's Day faithfully and was great at dancing the jig. He was a brilliant man of many words with many interesting stories to tell. He was an accomplished author who had a full life with many adventures.

         There will be no viewing.  Cremation took place at the Maple Hill crematory in South Hanover Township. The family will hold a "Celebration of Life" honoring Joe for family and friends at a later date.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Paralyzed Veterans of America Association at www.pva.org or 80118th St. NW, Washington, DC, 20006. . Those interested can go to www.millerbeanfh.com for additional Funeral information, directions, or to submit an online condolence card.