Marion Heights - Joseph Stephen Machuzak, aged 83, passed away on February 24, 2026, in Danville, Pennsylvania.

Born on January 29, 1943, in Shamokin, Pennsylvania, he was a devoted son of the late Catherine and John Machuzak, and a loving brother to Michael and Sandra Machuzak. His life was marked by the loss of his wife, Doris (Howells) Machuzak, with whom he shared over 51 years of marriage; his sister, Patricia Rivera; and a brother, John Machuzak.

Joseph proudly served in the United States Navy for 20 years as a Telecommunications Specialist, a job that often required him to work often over 100 feet from the flight deck of an aircraft carrier in the open ocean. He was deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, aboard the first Supercarrier, the USS Forrestal. The ship's service was part of its early Cold War deployment, setting the stage for its later role as a major U.S. Navy asset. He was also deployed to the Vietnam War aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Oriskany.

After his military service, he continued his commitment to public service, working as a civilian for the United States Army at Fort Indiantown Gap and the Tobyhanna Army Depot providing his skills with electronics. He also served as a Police Officer for Marion Heights Borough. He later became a State Corrections Officer at Frackville State Correctional Facility. During this time, he furthered his education at Luzerne County Community College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, and he attended the Empire School of Cosmetology. His passion for beauty and care led him to open his own salon where he brought joy and style to his community.

An active member of the Patronage of the Mother of God Church, formerly known as St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Marion Heights, Joseph was deeply rooted in his faith and community. His personal life was filled with his love for the outdoors. He served as a Game Warden and was an avid outdoorsman who cherished the rifle and archery seasons and found peace in angling and fly fishing for trout with his son, Joseph, and beloved dogs, Candy, Max, and Zoe.

Joseph's legacy continues through his children, Stephanie Tarapchak, D.O., Joseph Machuzak, D.O., Jennifer Machuzak, LPN, Corrinne Machuzak, DSP; and his beloved grandchildren, Attorneys Fallon, Ashtyn and Alexander Tarapchak, Paxton and Jetta Spieglmeyer, and Briley Jo Munns. He is also survived by his brother, Micheal; his sister, Sandra; three sisters-in-law, Barbara Machuzak, Donna Griffiths and Joanne Stuart; as well as several nieces and nephews, including Michael Machuzak, MD, Christopher Machuzak, Steven Machuzak, Christopher Swetra, Stephen Darrup,  Anthony Rakus, Michelle Tostalski, Kim Winkowski, Maria Ruane, and Michelle Trzesniowski.

It is appropriate and necessary to recognize that following a life altering injury over a decade ago, Joseph's loyal brother, Michael and his wife, Barbara, unconditionally accepted the responsibility to provide for all of his needs to include medical care, companionship and comfort up to the day of his passing.

Joseph's life will be remembered for his service, his love for his family and his Country and his enduring spirit.

Funeral Service will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026, with Parastas at 1 pm conducted by Father Volodymyr Prokipchuk in the C J Lucas Funeral Home Inc., 1053 Chestnut St., Kulpmont. Burial with Panikhida Service will follow in Patronage of the Mother of God Cemetery, Marion Heights. Viewing will be held on Monday from 11 a.m.  until the time of the service in the Kulpmont Funeral Home. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.cjlucasfuneralhome.com