Joseph W Talpas

Joseph William Talpas age 90 of Canonsburg passed away Thursday September 1, 2016 in Golden Living of South Hills. He was born September 19, 1925 in Strabane a son of Martin and Verona Hostinsky Talpas.

On November 9, 1946 he was united in Marriage with the love of his life of 63 years Marie F. Slabodynak Talpas. Mrs. Talpas passed away November 26, 2009. Surviving are six children; Carole Coon of Washington, Nancy (Jack) Passante of Centreville VA., David (Vicky) Talpas of Washington, Kevin (Lynette) Talpas of Canonsburg, Diane (Ron) Taylor of St. Louis, MO and Mary Jo (John) Marasco of Cecil , a sister Margaret Banish of Houston, a brother Arthur Talpas of Canonsburg, 11 Grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Deceased in addition to his wife and parents is a grandson, Jonathan Joseph “JJ” Talpas who passed away March 9, 2013, a sister Helen Gongik and three brothers; Edward, John, and Martin Talpas.

Mr. Talpas attended the Chartiers-Houston School District and was a devoted, lifelong member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church in Canonsburg. He retired after 37 years from the former Forbes Steel Corporation where he was a wire drawer. He had been an avid hunter and fisherman and also enjoyed time spent in his many gardens. In his later life he loved watching and feeding the birds and made over one hundred bird houses and folk art of which he proudly gave away to most anyone he met. His memberships were many and he was a decorated World War II Merchant Marine Veteran serving from 1943 to 1946 and he frequently boasted of his many trips around the world on various tanker ships taking military supplies to the troops. Mr. Talpas was a member of the Slovak Club, SNPJ Lodge, Legion Home Association, American Legion, St. Patrick Church Men’s Club, Strabane Sportsmen’s Assoc. and the United States Merchant Marine Veterans Association of Southwestern PA. He was a charter member in 1967 of the North Strabane Volunteer Fire Department where he had been a faithful member for 49 years. In 1970 he was elected vice-president and named captain of the department.

Friends are welcome from 2-8 Monday September 5, 2016 in Salandra Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc.  Joseph P. Salandra owner/supervisor 304 West Pike Street Canonsburg 724-745-8120 where departing prayers will be recited at 11:30 am Tuesday September 6, 2016. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon Tuesday in St. Patrick Church 317 West Pike Street Canonsburg. Interment will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery with full military rites accorded by the Veterans of Foreign Wars post 191 Honor Guard of Canonsburg.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick Church 317 West Pike Street Canonsburg or the North Strabane Volunteer Fire Department 2550 Washington Road Canonsburg. To views or extend condolences please visit www.salandrafunerals.com