Joseph McCulloch
It is with deepest sorrow that we share the passing of our beloved Joseph McCulloch of Pittston Twp. Joe recently celebrated his 71st birthday on September 2nd and passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family. Born in New York, he was the son of the late Joseph and Catherine Whalen McCulloch and step-son of Patricia McCulloch.
He was a 1973 graduate of Pittston Area High School, Penn State University, and earned his Master's Degree from Misericordia University. He was employed by PP&L, later Talen Energy, at the power plant in Berwick as an IT Supervisor, and was still consulting for the company until this past month.
Joe was the picture of a Catholic Man. He loved God and the Church above all else. He was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church (Communion of Saints Parish) where he was a lector and eucharistic minister. He was president of the Holy Name Society since 1999 (27 years). Joe also created the Rosary Novena for Life last year while acting as Holy Name President. He ran the money wheel at the church picnics, and could be found at every pancake breakfast, macaroni dinner, night at the races, and smoker event that the parish held. He led the Rosary at the early Mass on Sunday mornings, and volunteered at the St. Vincent De Paul soup kitchen for their Sunday lunch every week. He was a 4th degree knight for the Knights of Columbus, Council 16071, and served as Grand Knight. He recently had the honor of receiving the "Family of the Year" award through the Knights for the state of Pennsylvania.
Joe also loved the Oblates of St. Joseph, where he served as the Treasurer for the cooperators. He was a lector at the 7pm Sunday Mass each week and also attended daily Masses there. Joe also volunteered for Catholic Radio- The Voice of John-and loved hosting the radio show.
Joe loved his family and made his wife of 46 years, Debbie, feel cherished every day. He coached little league when his sons were growing up and softball for his daughter. He attended every activity for his children and grandchildren and always offered them support and encouragement. Joe was an avid sports fan and loved cheering on Penn State and the Giants during football season. Moreover, the YES network could almost always be found on a TV while Joe devoutly followed his New York Yankees.
Joe could be found manning the grill for every pool party, coloring Easter eggs with the kids each Holy Thursday, carving the turkey each Thanksgiving, and making the lobster tails for Christmas Eve dinner. He truly was our leader. Joe also loved his annual family vacations. Each year, Joe and Debbie celebrated their wedding anniversary in Siesta Key, Florida, followed by a full family vacation to Ocean City, Maryland, and then he always wrapped up the summer with a Labor Day getaway to Point Pleasant Beach, NJ. The many years of fond memories we all hold from these trips will be cherished forever.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Michael McCulloch, and infant son, Todd McCulloch.
He is survived by his step-mother, Patricia McCulloch, who raised him since he was a child. He is also survived by his wife of 46 years, Debbie McCulloch (Insalaco), his children Joseph McCulloch (Carlisle, PA), Ryan McCulloch (Johnson City, NY), and Ashley and her husband Tony Ferrese (Pittston Twp.). His grandchildren, Tony and Sienna Ferrese, were the light of his life. He is also survived by his half-sister Amanda DeLeon (Pablo), and his half-brother, Thomas Stanton (Melissa).
He fought a courageous battle with esophageal cancer for 2.5 years, and always said he had to keep fighting to see Tony and Sienna grow up. We know he'll be watching them from Heaven.
The family will receive friends and relatives Friday September 11, 2026 from 5-7PM at Adonizio Funeral Home, LLC, 251 William St., Pittston.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday September 12, 2026 at 9:30AM in Communion of Saints Parish at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 237 William St., Pittston. Those wishing to attend are asked to go directly to the church.
Interment will follow in St. Rocco’s Cemetery.
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