Joseph A. Sanfilippo – Coal Center
Joseph A. “Joe” Sanfilippo peacefully passed away at the age of 80, on Jan. 19, 2021, at home, surrounded by his family. Born in Donora, he was the son of the late Samuel J. and Rosalie Costa Sanfilippo. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Mary C. Anthony Sanfilippo. Surviving are his devoted children, Vincent Sanfilippo (Shannon) of Blue Bell, Pa., and Amy Keeler (Brian) of Malden. He will be sadly missed by grandchildren, Ashley Keeler Hess (Joren) of Malden, Alex Sanfilippo of New York, N.Y., and Ryan and John Patrick “Jack” Sanfilippo of Blue Bell, Pa. He was also the proud Pappy to great-grandchildren, Aria and Sage Hess. Also surviving are his sister, Josephine (Wesley) Clark of Donora, and their children Rodney Clark (Maryann), Cynthia Stankiewicz (Ken) and Dean Clark (Paula); and sisters-in-law, Betty Anthony Rusko, Anna Danko Anthony; and brother-in-law, Robert Anthony (Sally). He will be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Steve and Mary (Kraynak) Anthony; and brothers-in-law, John Anthony and Albert “Junior” Rusko. He was a graduate of Donora High School in 1958 and earned the degrees of Bachelor of Science from California State College (now known as California University of Pennsylvania), Master of Science from Ball State University and Doctor of Education degree from West Virginia University. Joe retired from California University of Pennsylvania in 2003 after 38 years of teaching and held the title of Professor Emeritus until his death. Early in his career, he taught at Fox Chapel High School. Involved in many professional organizations, he was a life member of the American Industrial Arts Association, International Technology Education Association and a charter member of the California University Faculty Senate. Due to the COVID-19 virus there will be no viewing. A funeral Mass will take place at St. Joseph Church, 180 Old Walnut Hill Road, Uniontown, at noon Saturday, Jan. 23, 2021. All friends and family are invited to attend the Mass. If attending the church service, please follow COVID-19 precautions by wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing. Private burial will be at Mt. Macrina Cemetery for the immediate family. The STEPHEN R. HAKY FUNERAL HOME INC. is handling the arrangements, hakyfuneralhome.com. For those who so choose, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Joseph Church, Uniontown, the Parkinson’s Foundation, Parkinson.org, or the Lewy Body Dementia Association, lbda.org. The family is grateful for and would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the compassionate caregivers from Amedisys and all who participated in Joe’s care.
