Joseph Francis Pacconi Sr., 91, of Indiana, died April 24, 2017, at Bethany Place Residential Care Home with his family by his side. Born in Moss Creek on April 1, 1926, he was a son of the late Nazzareno Pacconi and Chiara (Paolucci) Pacconi. On June 10, 1947, he married Louise V. Moretti, his wife of nearly 70 years and his sole caregiver for all but a few months of the last six years.
As a Private in the US Army, Joe served in the Asiatic Pacific Theater during WWII. After returning from the war, he worked for R&P Coal Co. where he proudly retired after 46 years of service.
Joe enjoyed playing baseball for the Fulton Run Dodgers. As former manager, he helped to lead the team to victory in the 1954 Indiana County Minor League Championship. He also enjoyed hunting, playing cards, and tending to his vegetable garden. Most of all, Joe enjoyed cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events.
He was a life member of VFW Post 1989, a member of the American Legion Post 141 and a 71 year member of UMWA Local 488. Joe was a member of St. Thomas More University Parish, Indiana.
He is survived by his loving wife, Louise, and their five children: Joseph F. Pacconi Jr. and special friend, Jayne Cuddy-Clawson, Mitch Pacconi and fiance, Cathy McQuaide, Nancy Clawson (Larry), all of Indiana, Darla Zelensky (Charles), Homer City, and Marcie Putt (Leroy), Indiana. Grandchildren: Joseph L. (Michelle) and Melissa Pacconi, Michael (Jennifer) and Matthew Pacconi, Michael and Megan Clawson, Zachary Zelensky, and Bo and Ryan Putt. Great-grandchildren: Hadyn Lezanic, Morgan and A.J. Pacconi, and Nicolas and Kira Pacconi. Other survivors include his half-brother Anthony Marcoaldi (Annabell), and many special nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by the following siblings: Elia Pacconi; Gino Pacconi; an infant sister, and half-brother John Marcoaldi.
In accordance with Joe’s wishes, a private visitation will be held from 9:30 A.M.-10:30 A.M. on Thursday, April 27, for both the immediate and extended family members of Joe and his wife Louise. The Pacconi family is being assisted by the Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home of Indiana. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 A.M. at St. Thomas More University Parish. Interment will be at St. Bernard Cemetery, Indiana.
The Pacconi family would like to thank the staff and residents at Scenery Hill Manor and Bethany Place for their heartfelt compassion, care and prayers during Joe’s final weeks. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him.
In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to the Alzheimer’s Association at: www.alz.org/join_the_cause_donate.asp
