Joseph Adragna – San Jose, Calif., formerly of Monongahela

Joseph Adragna, 72, of San Jose, Calif., formerly of Monongahela, passed away on Feb. 23, 2020, after a brief illness. Joe was born in Pittsburgh on Sept. 11, 1947, but grew up in the Mon Valley. He lived on Wickerham Drive in Monongahela, where he enjoyed spending time with his friends, several of whom became lifelong. Joe was a standout baseball player in the Monongahela Pony League for many years, playing for Combustion Monongahela. He was a star pitcher for Combustion and helped lead the team in winning the Monongahela Pony League Championship in 1962. In 1966, he got married and moved west to California, where he settled in San Jose, owned his own business and raised a family. Joe loved taking trips with his friends to Reno, especially during the St. Joseph’s Day holiday. He coached many baseball teams in San Jose’s Oak Grove Baseball League, where he had an impact on many players. He loved all things Pittsburgh, especially the Pirates and Steelers. He was especially proud of his Sicilian heritage and had a zest for travel. His favorite places included Rome and Palermo, where he visited many times. Joe was preceded in death by his father, George; and his mother, Rose. He is survived by his children, George (Andrea), Rosalie and Joe Jr.; his sister, Olivia (Frank) DeMaria; nephews, Dave and Mark (Raychel) DeMaria, all of San Jose; his sister-in-law, Kathy (Ben) Vignoli of New Eagle; nieces, Beth (Mark) Brletich of New Eagle and Jodi (Marc) Burnes of McMurray; and his grandchildren Ashton, Addison and Luca, whom he loved and adored. Joe will be deeply missed by all of his family and friends.