Strong – Joseph John "Pepino" Wargo, 75, of 134 3rd Street, passed away on February 25, 2026, at his residence with family by his side.

He was born in Shamokin State Hospital on September 14, 1950, to the late Joseph Edward and Josephine A. (Wisnieskie) Wargo.

Joseph was a lifelong resident of Marion Heights. He graduated from Mount Carmel High School, class of 1968. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corp. from 1969 to 1975 and later worked for PennDOT as a heavy equipment operator.

On January 26, 2019, he married the former Debra Bainbridge in Strong.

Joseph was a member of the Church of the Holy Angels, American Legion, Kulpmont, Marion Heights Fire Co., and Union County Sportsmen Hunting Camp. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, shooting pool, and playing darts. Joseph also enjoyed making soupies, capicola, and pepperoni.

Joseph is survived by his wife, Debra Wargo of Strong; two sons, Joseph "Joey" (Jen) Wargo of Katy, TX and Timothy (Jill) Wargo of Atlas; five grandchildren, Joseph, Seth, Jessica, Wesley, and Timmy; two sisters, Barbara (Michael) Machuzak and their son, Steven of Kulpmont, and Diane Baskin and her companion, David Berkheiser of Slate Run, and her daughter, Danielle (Brian) Yost of FL; an uncle, Thomas (Jacqueline) Wargo of Harrisburg; and aunt, Elizabeth "Betty" Wargo of Harrisburg; a step-son, Keith (Shelbi) Miller, and their children, Noah and Laney of Elysburg; a sister-in-law, Cathy (Paul "Peppy") Maschuk of Excelsior; a brother-in-law, Kenny (Linda) Bainbridge of Shamokin; as well as various cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two nephews, Shawn and Eric Baskin.

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 11 a.m. with Father Andrew Stahmer officiating in the C J Lucas Funeral Home Inc., 1053 Chestnut St., Kulpmont. Burial will follow in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cemetery, Marion Heights. Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 7th, from 9 a.m. until the time of the service in the Kulpmont Funeral Home.  To send condolences to the family, please visit www.cjlucasfuneralhome.com