Joseph Earl Massina

Joseph Earl Massina, 101, of Mifflinville passed away peacefully on Monday, July 21, 2025 at Celebration Villa of Berwick where he had resided for several years.

“Joe“ was born in Berwick on Valentine’s Day, 1924, the son of the late Joseph and Laura (Fegley) Massina.

After high school, Joe worked at the AC&F and test drove Stuart tanks. A member of the greatest generation, he served in combat in France and Germany during WWII in Company “C” of the 745th Tank Battalion, where he drove Sherman tanks. He was wounded in the “Battle of Aachen” in Germany after his tank was struck by enemy fire and he continued in battle with another tank. Joe enjoyed attending military events, especially those involving a “Stuart” tank. Though a proud disabled veteran, he chose not to speak of his wartime experiences. During his visits to the VA Hospital in Wilkes-Barre, he always had to visit the Day Turner memorial display and compliment his service. Joe also worked for many years as a waterproofer and at Berwick Forge.

Joe had natural musical ability and taught himself to play the guitar and harmonica, among other instruments. He also loved to sing and would often sing a tune out of nowhere, gaining smiles from friends and especially employees and residents at Celebration Villa and other facilities. In younger days, a gang of friends would join him on the porch with their instruments, including the fiddle, and play old country and bluegrass tunes.

Joe developed many friendships over the years. He enjoyed going out and running around. Whether it be joining a group of friends at breakfast or traveling to out-of-town flea markets most recently with Harry Mankoski, with whom he also enjoyed going to the casino. Joe will be remembered as an outgoing, determined individual, with a good sense of humor. He quietly loved his family and respected his friends and neighbors with his words and actions.

Surviving Joseph is his wife Dawn (Michael) Massina, with whom he celebrated 73 years of marriage, his daughter Gail Hugick and husband Ronald, Lansdale, and several nieces and nephews. His next-door neighbors Kay and Randy Lawton have always been a special family to Joe and Dawn, graciously assisting them with everyday needs and looking out for their best interests. Many thanks to the staff and residents at Celebration Villa of Berwick for befriending Joe and making his time residing there “home.” Thanks also to Compassus Hospice, Bloomsburg, and Celebration Villa staff for the exceptional care they provided.

In addition to his parents, Joseph was preceded in death by his brothers, Wayne and Alex; and sister, Arlene Gryshuk.

Family and friends may call at the Kelchner, McMichael & Readler Funeral Home, Inc., 119-121 East Third St., Berwick from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 25, followed by services with his pastor, Rev. Daniel Warntz, officiating. Interment will follow at Mifflinville Cemetery.

Family suggests contributions in his memory be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, PO Box B, Mifflinville, PA 18631.

The Kelchner, McMichael & Readler Funeral Home Inc. is honored to serve Joseph’s family. Online messages of comfort and support can be left at www.kelchnerfuneralhome.com.