Joseph M. Massack
Enjoyed hunting, radio-controlled airplanes
Joseph M. Massack, 90, of McMurray, passed away Tuesday, May 21, 2013, in Donnell House, Washington.
He was born September 24, 1922, in Strabane, a son of the late Andrew and Frances Gorshin Massack.
Mr. Massack attended Trinity High School.
He proudly served his country during World War II in the U.S. Army. He was part of the 94th Infantry Division, attending Infantry training at Camp Phillips, Kansas. He participated in campaigns in Sicily, North Africa, Naples, Salerno and Anzio Beach Head. He was a two-time Purple Heart recipient.
Mr. Massack returned to Strabane at the end of the war and was employed as the butcher for Alexander Co-op, from where he retired.
He enjoyed hunting at his camp and enjoyed flying radio-controlled airplanes. In his later years, he was a frequent speaker in history classes at Peters Township and South Park school districts, sharing personal stories of his experiences during World War II along with other veterans.
Mr. Massack was a member of St. Benedict the Abbot Church in McMurray, where he served many years as an usher, and was a member of Ben’s Men. He also was a member of KSKJ Lodge of Strabane, American Legion Post 902 of Houston, Canonsburg Elks Lodge and a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 746 in McMurray.
On July 7, 1958, he married Edythe Capozzi, who passed away March 19, 2000.
He is survived by many nieces and nephews, including Charles and Denise Abraham and Mark and Paula (Koklich) Koerber of McMurray.
Deceased are three brothers, Rudy (Helen) Massack, Andrew (Ann) Massack and Victor (Caroline) Massack, and a sister, Frances (Joseph “Red”) Koklich.
Friends are welcome from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in Salandra Funeral Service Inc., Joseph P. Salandra, owner/supervisor, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, 724-745-8120, where departing prayers will be at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 29. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m. in St. Benedict the Abbot Church, McMurray. Entombment will follow in Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray. VFW Post 764 will hold a service at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home. Full military honors will be accorded by VFW Post 764 of McMurray. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations be made to VFW Post 764 Charitable Fund or Donnell House, in memory of Mr. Massack. To view or extend condolences, please visit www.salandrafunerals.com.