Mr. Joseph B. Valunas, age 81, of Laceyville, PA, passed away early Saturday morning, April 16, 2022, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Joseph was born in Scranton, PA, on November 24, 1940 the son of the late Anthony Valunas, and the late Margaret Rose D'Evangelista Valunas Moore, and the late Fred Moore. Growing up on the Westside of Scranton, Joe was a graduate of the West Scranton High School, with the class of 1959.

Throughout his life, Joe loved collecting and selling classic cars, never holding on them for to long. He also loved riding motorcycles right up to the last few years, until his ill health. Growing up and living in the greater Scranton area, Joe was employed at Agostini's Bakery in Old Forge, PA, and at Capitol Records in Scranton, PA.

From May 11, 1970, Joe was employed at Procter and Gamble Paper Products in Mehoopany, PA, where he was employed as a technician, and team leader, retiring on November 3, 1993.

Growing up in an Italian family, Joe learned to cook many Italian dishes, and became a very accomplished cook, enjoying the times that he got to entertain many family dinners, especially being surrounded by his grandchildren. Joe also loved golfing with his buddies, and loved woodworking, making many projects for his family and friends, and community, Joe was always community mined.

Surviving is his wife of 31 years, the former Debra K. Maness Valunas, whom he was married to on April 27, 1991. His children, Joseph and Laurie Valunas, of Dunmore, PA; LisaMarie Wilcox, of Throop, PA; and Anthony and MaryAnn Valunas, of Old Forge, PA, and his step-son, Jesse and Jackie Baker, of Hallstead, PA., also surviving, are his eight grandchildren, Matthew Valunas, Caroline Valunas, Marissa Dembral, Stephen and Bryana Dembral, Shelby Valunas, Jack Baker, Joseph Baker, and James Baker, and 4 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and many special friends. Joseph is also survived by a special cousin that he spent a lot of time with over the years with, Marie DeSantis, of Port Orange, FL. Besides his parents Joseph was preceded in death by his brother, Bernard J. Valunas, who passed away on August 30, 2002, and his son in law, David J. Wilcox, who passed away on December 29, 2010.

Memorial services will be held at the Sheldon Funeral Home, 459 Main St., Laceyville, PA on Wednesday May 18, 2022 at 12:00 Noon, with Father Michael Klotten officiating. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday morning from 11:00 AM till the time of the service.

Online condolences may be made at www.SheldonFuneralHome.com