Joseph Marushin

Joseph "Joe" Marushin, a loving husband, father and Pop, passed away peacefully at his Sugarloaf home surrounded by his family on Sunday evening, June 23, 2024. He recently celebrated his 93rd birthday with his family.

Born in Hazleton, June 16, 1931, he was the son of the late John and Anna (Lipka) Marushin and spent the past 36 years in the beautiful home he built for his family in Sugarloaf. He was a lifelong member of St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church, Hazleton.

Joseph was a self-employed businessman his whole life. He established and owned a business he successfully operated for over 50 years with his wife Betty and his son Tom, his right-hand man. The three of them made quite the team, both in business and in life!

Joseph was kind, generous, hardworking and resilient. He could do anything and was always willing to help anyone in need; a truly selfless man. He was incredibly devoted to his family and created a beautiful life for them. He dearly loved his family and they all cherished him. He and his wife Betty made many happy memories together following their favorite polka bands along with their polka family friends.

The Marushin home was always filled with much joy and love and endless polka music. There was a full table at holidays, weekly family breakfasts after Sunday Mass, and fun times with his cherished grandchildren.

The last few years, he and his son Tom enjoyed their early morning coffee runs and many car rides, especially to Berwick. Joseph and his family also enjoyed visiting antique car and truck shows and his son beautifully restored a 1970 Brockway that was entered in the Macungie Truck show for several years.

Joseph was preceded in death, in addition to his parents, by his sister, Margaret Tarnovecky, and brother, John Marushin.

Surviving are his loving wife of the past 59 years; the former Elizabeth Bogwist; two daughters, Elizabeth "Liz" Marushin; and Jo Ann Kearon and her husband Brian, Royersford; two sons, John Marushin and his wife Tammy, Sugarloaf; and Tom Marushin, Sugarloaf; four grandchildren, Ryan Starrick and his wife Lisa; Amanda Starrick; Patrick Kearon and his wife Ellen Cahill, M.D., New Haven, CT; and Joseph Marushin, Sugarloaf; five sisters, Pauline Zabitchuck, Rochester, NY; Helen Mandrick, Rochester, NY; Susan Falatko, Hazle Twp.; Irene Slebodnick and her husband Joseph, Drums; and Ann Marie Betterly, Hazleton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

His funeral will be held Monday, July 1, 2024, at 11 AM with the Divine Liturgy with the Office of Christian Burial in St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church, 5 E. 20th Street, Hazleton. Burial will follow in Calvary RC Cemetery, Drums. Friends may call at the church on Monday morning from 9:30 AM to 11 AM. Harman Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc. (East), 669 W. Butler Drive, Drums, is assisting the family with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Joseph's honor to St. John the Baptist Byzantine Church, 5 E. 20th Street, Hazleton PA 18201. Online condolences can be entered and more information is available at www.harmanfuneral.com.

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