Tired of ads? Subscribers enjoy a distraction-free reading experience.
Click here to subscribe today or Login.

October 17, 2010

Joseph Laukaitis, 82, died on October 17, 2010, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on November 8, 1927, in Pittston, a son of the late Stanley and Julia Laukaitis. During World War II, he served in the United States Navy as a radio operator. Upon leaving the service, he earned his BSEE from Drexel University and then his MSEE from the University of Pennsylvania. Thereafter, he was a valued electrical engineer with General Electric Co. for nearly 40 years until his retirement. He was an active member of St. Mark’s Parish in Lawrence Park, for over 30 years, where he lectured and lent his wonderful bass voice to the choir. He was also a member of St. Matthew’s Church and choir in Largo, FL.

His greatest joy was his family; his loving wife of 59 years, Lillian, and his children, Dr. Margaret Laukaitis, Julie and her husband, Dr. Jeff Bednarski, Joseph and his wife, Jayne, of Annapolis, MD, Michael and his wife, Christina, also of Annapolis, MD. He was devoted to his five grandchildren, Matthew, Lindsey, Annie, Mike and Helena, who enriched his life and filled it with love.

He was also preceded in death by his daughter Mary Helen and his brother Ben.

He is also survived by his brother Paul Laukaitis of Roanoke, VA, and his sister Helen Pisano of Hughestown, both of whom he has remained close to over the years; a special sister-in-law Margaret ’Midge’ Butsavage, who helped care for him in his last months; as well as many nieces and nephews.

The funeral was held Oct. 23 from the Kizis-Lokuta Funeral Home, Pittston, with a Mass of Christian Burial in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Pittston. Interment St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hughestown.