Joseph Holleran

Joseph Holleran, 86, of Dunmore, died at home on Thanksgiving after a period of health issues.  He and his wife of 46 years, the former Mary Catherine Smith, died in 2014.

Born in Dunmore, son of the late Aloysuis and Margaret Gard Holleran, he attended Dunmore public schools and was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish.  He was a proud member of the first graduating class of the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy in Lewistown, and went on to serve the Borough of Dunmore at both the Eclipse Hose Company Substation and the Dunmore Fire Department where he was later appointed as Chief. 

Joe was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother whose presence will be deeply missed.  He cared for his family beyond words, and never hesitated to do what is right.  Since he and his wife enjoyed RVing across the country, he personally modified the camper to be handicapped accessible when she needed special accommodations so they could keep going on adventures.   

An honest man with true integrity, he will be remembered by friends as a trusted person that they could go to for anything.  He was a self-taught expert mechanic, electrician, plumber, and carpenter, and would quietly do repairs for people, never accepting anything in exchange.  He was also a licensed gunsmith and knifesmith.

Surviving are daughters Ann Jones and husband Harold, and Eileen Holleran and fiancé Zachary Greer; sons Joseph Holleran and wife Kristina, Timothy Holleran, and Brian Holleran; six grandchildren, Justin, Samantha, Daniel, Hallie, Matthew, Aidan; one great-grandchild; his sister Shirley Holleran; and many friends.

He was also preceded in death by his brother, Michael Holleran.   

The family would like to thank the staff at Traditional Home Health Care, Allied Services, and Geisinger-CMC for the care extended to Joe during his times of need.

The funeral will be Thursday from the Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home, Inc., 318 E. Drinker St., Dunmore, with Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church, Chestnut St., Dunmore.  Interment, Dunmore Cemetery.

Family and friends may pay their respects on Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that contributions be made to St. Joseph’s Center, 2010 Adams Ave., Scranton, 18509; or to donate blood in his memory with the American Red Cross, because giving to others meant so much to Joe.