Joseph A. Van Wie

After a prolonged illness, Joseph A. Van Wie peacefully passed away Tuesday morning at the Abington Manor, South Abington Twp.

Born in Scranton on July 2, 1943, Joseph was the son of the late Joseph and Annarose Calpin Van Wie. Raised in Scranton, he attended local schools before embarking on a lifetime of work in various occupations. After being employed in various jobs, Joseph finally found his true calling in the care and treatment of those suffering from substance abuse. He began that phase of his work life as a substance abuse counselor at Marworth Treatment Center in Waverly in 1984. He later went on to work at the Tully Hill Corp. in Tully, New York, the Interphase Recovery Center in Boca Raton, Florida, the Community Medical Center in Scranton, and finally retired from Clearbrook Manor Treatment Center in Laurel Run.

Joe loved life and enjoyed his time in sunny Florida. He was an avid reader and enjoyed having coffee with his many friends. Even in his retirement, he was always ready, willing and able to lend support to those suffering from substance abuse.

Joseph is survived by his children, John and wife, Janel, Plymouth Meeting; Kathleen Simrell and husband, James, Clarks Summit; Joseph and wife, Nasim, Scranton; Patrick and wife, Gabrielle, Scranton; Meghan of Provo, Utah; and Carolann and husband, Connor Holdaway, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and nieces, Annarose Heisler and Aileen Van Wie. Also surviving is his sister, Mary Heisler and husband, David; and his brother, James Van Wie and wife, Mari; as well as his grandchildren, Alaina, Livia, John Henry, Shamus, Kaddy, Posie and Oliver Patrick.

Joseph was preceded in death by a brother, John Van Wie; and a daughter, Regina (Gina) Van Wie Monahan.

Special thanks to Abington Manor and its dedicated staff for their compassion and care.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for the family at St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church, Penn Avenue, Scranton. Inurnment, Cathedral Cemetery.

There are no public calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Joseph's Center, 2010 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18509.

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