Joseph R. Pasquarella

Joseph R. Pasquarella (Joe/Dedo), 97, passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 23, at Gables Care Center with his daughter by his side and his family near. He was born on March 2, 1923, in Steubenville Ohio, to the late Tony and Adeline (Pagnanelli) Pasquarella.

He was a long-time member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Steubenville, and a current member of St. Peter Catholic Church, where he was a faithful and devoted member. He was the last surviving member of the Catholic Central High School Class of 1941. After high school, he worked briefly with the track gang of the Pennsylvania Railroad. He was one of the last of the Greatest Generation serving as a Corporal in the US Army during WWII. As part of the transportation unit, he was stationed in Papua New Guinea during the New Guinea Campaign. After the war, he briefly attended the College of Steubenville and worked at Weirton Steel.

He was the proprietor of Pasquarella’s Beverage Center for over 60 years with his wife Olga working faithfully by his side. Joe sponsored a fastpitch softball team and was also a partner in Best Beverage Distributing. Many fondly remember going to “the store” to purchase pop and beer. Always a selfless and giving leader, Joe was President of the Parish Council at St. Anthony Church and lead the renovation. He helped plan his CCHS Class reunions and formed a group that continued to meet monthly at The Ville for years after their 60th reunion. “Uncle Joe” as he was fondly known, also helped with many family reunions. He will be remembered for his love of his wife, children, and grandchildren and his deep and unwavering faith in God. Work was his hobby, always lending a hand to others and not afraid to get his hands dirty. At home, Joe could be found at the kitchen table with a glass of wine and a good meal, or in his recliner with a newspaper. His words of advice stressed the importance of education, investing wisely, but most importantly to always pray.

He was a member of Theta Chi Alpha, American Legion Post 33, VFW, and the Knights of Columbus Immaculate Heart of Mary Council 472, and a Fourth Degree Knight of Father Bigilo Assembly 803.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years Olga (Halkovich), and his brothers Frank and Victor Pasquarella, and his infant sister Rosalie.

Joe is survived by his sons, Michael (Alice) Pasquarella, of San Antonio, TX, Tony (Kathie) Pasquarella of Steubenville, OH, and his daughter Annette Pasquarella of Greenville, NC; grandchildren Anna (Dan) Piscina of Sylmar, CA, Rosa Pasquarella of Los Angeles, CA, Julia Pasquarella of Austin, TX, and Cristina Pasquarella of San Antonio, TX, Natalie (Jamin) Pastore of Bergen County, NJ, Joseph (Christine Seif) Pasquarella of Massillon, OH, Valerie Pasquarella of Akron, OH, and Nick Pasquarella of Akron OH; great-grandchildren Gabriella, Isabella, Bertrand, Arthur, Jamin James, Jada, Anthony Joseph, and Victor; and loving nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be Thursday, January 7, from 2-4 p.m. at the Mosti Funeral Home, 4435 Sunset Blvd. Steubenville. Funeral Mass with Liturgy will be held at St. Peter Church, Friday, January 8 at 10 a.m, celebrated by Father Huffman. Burial with full military honors will follow at Mt. Calvary cemetery. A celebration of life will take place at a later time.

Please note: to respect the safety of the family and others, COVID-19 protocols of masks, social distancing, and no lingering will be required. If you are unable to attend or are not feeling well, please consider sending a card or offering online condolence. Funeral services can be viewed via live stream at Pierce Media’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/piercemedia) and at a later time, both funeral service and military burial will be available at Pierce Media’s YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/Piercemediaproductions72/videos).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Catholic Central High School, 320 Westview Ave, Steubenville, OH 43952.

The family would like to thank Toni Keeter, Ann Craig, and Mary Jane White who lovingly cared for Joe. They also express gratitude for Gables Care Center for their compassionate care, and to Christy Pizzoferrato his loving aide with whom he formed a special bond. We will be forever grateful.

Offer condolences at www.mostifuneralhome.com