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Obituary
Joseph Lipka, 95, reunited with the love of his life, Palmena, on February 8, 2026. Born in Hazleton on April 3, 1930, he was the son of John and Julia (Shema) Lipka.
Joe lived his dash as fully as he could. He began his journey by leaving school and heading to Los Angeles with a few buddies only to return home when drafted. Returning home blessed him with meeting his soon-to-be wife (literally - met in January, engaged in February, married in April). They started their lives together in New Jersey and eventually moved to Hazleton. They were married just short of 70 years.
Though he held various jobs over the years, the one he spoke most about was as a furnace operator for Foster Wheeler. It was a job that filled him with great pride. He would often go to Senape’s Bakery to be sure he had enough bread for his backyard squirrels. He also loved to tell a joke, whether good or not, to anyone, anytime, anywhere. He will be remembered for his smile, contagious laughter, and his many hats by those who knew and loved him.
Preceding him in death were his wife, Palmena (DeSpirito); brother, John; and sister, Anna Besack.
He is survived by his daughter, Kerin Brown (Larry); grandson Jay Ciotola (Emily); granddaughter Trieste Kirkwood (Ephraim); and great-granddaughter Josephine Ciotola.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 A.M. on Saturday, April 11th, in Queen of Heaven Parish at Our Lady of Grace Church, Hazleton. Burial with military honors will follow at Our Lady of Grace Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held in the church from 9 to 10 A.M. prior to Mass.
The Joseph A. Moran Funeral Home, 229 W. 12th St., Hazleton is in charge of the arrangements. -
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