Joseph R. Biago, 73, of Exeter, passed away Friday, June 3, 2022 in Baltimore, MD, with his loving family by his side.
Born in Exeter, he was the son of the late Joseph Biago and Mary Nardone Biago. He was a graduate of Exeter High School. After high school he was drafted into the United States Army. He later graduated from Luzerne County Community College with a degree in Business. Joe was an Administrative Officer at Francis Slocum State Park for 35 years.
Joe was a member of Saint Barbara’s Parish, Exeter. He was an avid golfer, and was a member of the Emanon Country Club in Falls, PA. Joe’s love for golf started at a very young age, while working as a caddy, and his passion for golf grew.
Over the years, Joe won several golf tournaments and had a total of 9 holes in one. In 2020, he and his partner won the 14th flight of the John Allen at Fox Hill Country Club.
Joe enjoyed watching sports, especially golf. His favorite golfer was Arnold Palmer. He also enjoyed football, basketball, and baseball. He was a diehard fan of Pennsylvania sports teams including The Philadelphia Eagles, Phillies, and 76ers. He loved The Penn State Nittany Lions and always supported the local Wyoming Area Warriors.
Joe was a fan of classic rock. He loved to attend live concerts. His favorite bands to see live were The Rolling Stones, The Eagles, and Tom Petty.
Joe will be remembered for his witty sense of humor. He had a knack for great storytelling, and often left you in stitches. Anyone who knew Joe had a funny story or two they could share with you. Joe was a wonderful, loyal man and friend. So wonderful that in his time of need, a complete stranger gave him the gift of life, a kidney. He called Kate his “angel” and considered her his third daughter.
Joe is survived by his loving wife Deborah Pelliccia Biago. They were married for 47 years and enjoyed traveling, cruising and beach trips to Delaware and Florida. Daughters, Nicole Biago and her fiancé, John Lachenmayer, Exeter; Carissa and husband, James Armbruster, Woodbridge, VA; sister, Cathy Petruski, Pittsburgh, PA; and he was “Papa” to four granddaughters who adored him. They were the light of his life, Alana, Abigail, Brynn, and Aubrey. Also surviving are mother-in-law Gloria Pelliccia, Exeter, brother-in-law, Dr. Lanny Pelliccia and fiancé Cheryl Russo, Wyoming, sister-in-law, Violet Blandina and partner, Dean Pavinski, Exeter, nieces and nephew, Olivia Lauer and her husband Paul, Dallas, Alexa Blandina, Wyoming, Kari Rodgers and her husband, Brad, Pittsburgh, Bobby Petruski, Pittsburgh, Lauren Pavlick and her husband Charles, Hunlock Creek, Breeanna Pelliccia, Philadelphia, and Kendall Pelliccia, Philadelphia, several great nieces, great nephews, and cousins.
Special thank you to the doctors who cared for Joe, Dr. Gary Verazin, Dr. Bruce Saidman, Dr. Raymond Joseph, Dr. Evan Lipson of Johns Hopkins and Dr. A il Regmi of Inova Fairfax Hospital.
The family will receive friends and relatives Tuesday, June 14, 2022, from 9:30am – 11am in Parish of St. Barbara, 28 Memorial Street, Exeter. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11am.Interment will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, 750 East Pratt Street, Suite 1700, Baltimore, MD21202 or to Inova Health Foundation Abdominal Transplant, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, 3300 Gallow Road, Falls Church, VA22042.Arrangements are entrusted to Adonizio Funeral Home, LLC, Pittston.