Joseph E. Barush, 87, a resident of West Wyoming, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday evening, February 16, 2013, at his residence. 

His loving wife is Madeleine (Vanyo) Barush. Together, Joe and Madeleine celebrated their 62^nd wedding anniversary on August 26, 2012. 

Born on November 07, 1925 in Wilkes-Barre, Joseph was one of five children born to the late John and Frances (Nowinski) Barush.

Raised in Wilkes-Barre, Joe was a graduate of E.L. Meyers High School, Wilkes-Barre.

A United States Navy Veteran, Joe honorably served his country during World War II from 1944 to 1947. Upon his honorable discharge from active service, Joe had attained the rank of Seaman 2^nd Class.

Prior to his retirement in 1985, Joe was employed for many years as a mail handler for the United States Postal Service.

A man of faith, Joe was a long-time member of the former Holy Trinity Church, Swoyersville. Following the consolidation of his church this past June, Joe became a member of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Swoyersville. Active within his church, Joe always gave freely of his time in support of his parish’s various activities. Most notably, Joe and his wife, Madeleine were actively involved in both preparing for and participating in their parish’s annual bazaar.

Joe was actively involved in the West Wyoming community. For 45 years, Joe was a member of the West Wyoming Hose Company #2, serving as a fireman, past fire chief and in various other capacities throughout the years. Additionally, he was a member of the West Wyoming Ambulance Association and served as treasurer of the Luzerne County Fire and Rescue for 50 years.

Joe was also active with the West Wyoming Little League and had the pleasure of coaching a championship team.

An avid gardener, Joe took great enjoyment in working in his vegetable garden from spring until fall.  Also, he was an avid sports enthusiast and was a great fan of the Pittsburg Steelers, the New York Yankees and the Miami Heat.

One of Joe’s greatest enjoyments in life was spending time with his grandsons. He was very proud to watch them participate in their many activities in school, especially their sporting events, where he was a regular spectator at every event near and far.

For many years, Joe and Madeleine enjoyed their annual trips to Florida where they would spend the winter months.

Joe will fondly be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. His presence will be deeply missed but his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of his loved ones.

In addition to his parents, John and Frances Barush, Joe was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Jeffrey Muchler, who passed away on January 01, 2006; his brother, John Barush; his sisters, Julia Kumiega, Anna Galeta and Mary Barush.

In addition to his loving wife, Madeleine, Joe is survived by his daughter, Elaine Muchler and her husband Bruce, of Ocala, Florida; his son, Joseph Barush and his wife Diane, of West Wyoming; his grandchildren, Bruce Muchler and his wife Tabbi, of Hernando Beach, Florida; Michael Muchler and his wife Lisa, of Wilkes-Barre; Joseph Barush, who is attending college in Pittsburg; and Stephen Barush, of West Wyoming; his sister-in-law, Marion Barush, of Wilkes-Barre; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral which will be conducted on Thursday, February 21, 2013, at 10:00 AM from the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:30 AM in Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 116 Hughes Street, Swoyersville, with the Reverend Joseph J. Pisaneschi, his Pastor, celebrating and the Reverend Richard J. Cirba, con-celebrating.

Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Cemetery, Swoyersville, where Military Honors will be accorded by the United States Navy.

Family and Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, February 20, 2013, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, at the funeral home.

For additional information or to send the family of Mr. Joseph E. Barush an online message of condolence, you may visit the funeral home web-site www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com.

In Lieu of Flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made in Joe’s memory to Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 116 Hughes Street, Swoyersville, Pennsylvania 18704.