Thomas A. Joseph

Thomas A. Joseph, resident of Mountain Top, PA, passed peacefully on Saturday, March 6, due to complications from Covid-19. His passing was preceded by expressions of love and gratitude from his five children, with his daughter at his side. He was a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who lived a remarkable life and will be sorely missed.

Born in Scranton, Tom was the son of the late Fred Joseph, a Lebanese immigrant, and the former Nancy Dippre of Scranton. He graduated from St. Patrick's High School with distinction in both academics and athletics, and was well-regarded because of his intelligence, loyalty, quick wit, and boisterous personality. Tom went on to earn degrees in business and accounting from the University of Scranton, working numerous jobs to self-fund his education and support his young family. He worked for his beloved Uncle Tom at his beer distributorship, and he discovered his ability to excel in business as the youngest top sales associate selling magazines. After graduation, Tom worked in marketing and sales for Moore Business Forms and Computer Data Processing, while also starting and running his own fundraising business. He soon realized that entrepreneurship was his true passion.

Tom founded Pittston-based firm Markdata, combining his expertise in direct mail marketing and data processing - and kicked off his lifelong journey as a business leader, innovator, and philanthropist. He was recognized multiple times by Inc. magazine’s "Inc 500" list, having founded one of the fastest-growing companies in America. As the business expanded to multiple cities, including Washington, DC, Thomas was selected to serve on a Federal small business roundtable, through which he had the honor to meet President Ronald Reagan. Over his illustrious career he created 1000s of jobs, received numerous awards and recognitions, and made anonymous contributions to charities, hospitals, and universities. Tom was a compassionate and generous man, always silently giving to those in need without ever wanting recognition for it.

Tom had an interest in history and enjoyed watching documentaries, as well as appreciation for cars, planes, and boats, and fondness of Arabic food. Tom’s other business pursuits included event promotions, newspaper publishing, and ground transportation at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport. In 2020, he was very proud to become a published author of "The Mountain Top Bears," a story inspired by his children and canine buddy, Henri, with themes of love, friendship, courage, and heroism. It is a story for all that will endure for future generations. 

Tom is survived by his children, Tom Jr., Michael, Leah, Luke, and Jeffrey; grandchildren, Jacqueline, Taylor, Daniela, Charlotte, Halston, and Ford; great-grandson, Jayce; sisters, Rosemary and Freda; and brother, Fred Jr. And of course, his favorite canine companion, Henri. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert.

A public memorial service will be held Saturday, March 13, at 10am at St. Jude’s Church, 420 S. Mountain Blvd, Mountain Top, PA 18707. All those attending the mass are asked to follow current safety guidelines by wearing a mask and social distancing.

Those unable to attend can livestream the service via YouTube at https://youtu.be/O0W7dm7XTAU.

His children are planning an outdoor Celebration of Life on July 24, 2021 when the weather is more accommodating.

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