Joseph J. Hawk, Sr., 76, a resident of Pittston Township, passed away peacefully on Monday evening, April 07, 2014, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

His devoted wife is Gina (Musto) Hawk. Together, Joe and Gina celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary on May 25, 2013.

Born on November 20, 1937, in Swoyerville, Joseph was the son of the late John and Josephine (Rapczyinski) Hawk.

Raised in Swoyerville, Joe was a graduate of the former Swoyerville High School, Class of 1956.

Following his high school graduation, Joe enlisted in the United States Air Force. For nine years, he proudly served his country both at home and abroad.

After his return home from the Air Force, Joe wore many hats. He drove truck for many years before retiring in 2003 from Roadway, located in Tannersville.

In his earlier years, Joe was a Deputy Constable for the State of Pennsylvania and also worked as a part-time police officer for Pittston Township. Additionally, for some time, Joe and Gina operated their own catering business, Hawk Catering.

Joe was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He always had a good joke and was fun to be around. He was also a caring person who was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

In addition to his parents, John and Josephine Hawk, Joseph was preceded in death by his brothers, James, John and Daniel Hawk; his sisters, Josephine “Honeygirl” Ostrosky, Margaret Hawk, Marie Soifer and Patricia Jacien; his aunt, Julia Iannaccone.

In addition to his wife, Gina, Joe is survived by his son, Dominick Hawk, Sr. and his wife Jennie, and grandson Dominick, Jr., and great-grandson, Noah; his daughter, Mary Jo Gavlick and her husband Donnie, and granddaughter, Melanie and grandson, Davey; his son, Joseph J. Hawk, Jr, and his wife Katie.

Joe is also survived by his sister, Barbara Hall, of Effort, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and loving friends.

The Family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to their family doctor and friend, Dr. Charles Manganiello and his staff; to Joe’s surgeon, Dr. Chu and his assistant; to Joe’s oncology doctors, Dr. Robert Rostock; and Dr. Bruce Saidman, Angela and the staff at Medical Oncology Associates for the care they provided Joe.

Additionally, the family wishes to thank the nurses from Associated Family Home Care, Inc., especially Kathleen and Chrissy for their care and friendship. Also, special thanks to everyone from Hospice of the Sacred Heart, especially Donna, for setting up and taking care of Joe in his time of transition; to Shannon, for doing a “Bang Up Job’; and to all the great nurses who took such special care of Joe.

Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral which will be conducted on Saturday, April 12, 2014, at 8:45 AM from the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 9:30 AM in Saint Joseph Marello Parish, 237 William Street, Pittston, with the Reverend Carlos Esquivel OSJ, his Pastor, officiating.

Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, Swoyersville.

Family and Friends are invited to call on Friday, April 11, 2014, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, at the funeral home.

For additional information or to send the Hawk Family 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 the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), P.O. Box 42938, Wissahickon & Manheim Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19101 or to the American Cancer Society, 712 South Keyser Avenue, Taylor, Pennsylvania 18517.