Apr 7, 2003 2 min read

Joseph George Clay Jr., age 57, sadly passed away Saturday, April 5, 2003 at his home in Smithfield, Pa., with his loving family by his side following a brief and courageous battle with cancer. Joseph was born on May 18, 1945 the son of the now late Joseph G. Clay Sr. and Rose Chabanik Clay Sr. of Shoaf, Pa.

An avid hunter and fisherman, Joseph enjoyed walking in the woods and mountains in the area.

He loved planting and harvesting a garden each summer, and always was happy to share the fruits of his labor with friends and relatives.

Joseph was a friend to all who knew him, he never met a stranger; but most of all he will be remembered as a wonderful, loving Husband, Father, and Grandfather!

Joseph graduated in 1964 from Fairchance-Georges High School. He then was proud to serve in the United States Marine Corps and the United States Marine Corps Reserve.

A Coal Miner for most of his adult life, he retired April 1 of this year from Consol Energy’s Bailey Mine.

He was a member of Ss. Cyril & Methodius Roman Catholic Church and Chapel in Fairchance, Pa.

Along with his parents he was also preceded in death by his in-laws, Anthony “Pooch” and Barbara Boni.

Surviving are his loving wife, Carol Boni Clay, whom Joseph adored, and the following devoted children: Daughters, Antoinette “Toni” and husband, John Hicks, of Smithfield, Pa., Thomasine “Tommye” and husband, Todd Vecchiolla, of Uniontown, Pa., and Teri Lynn at home, and Son, Todd Clay of York Run, Pa.

Grandchildren, Johnny Hicks, Jenna Hicks, and Andino Vecchiolla also survive. They affectionately referred to him as “Pappy Joe”.

Also surviving are sisters, Mary Catherine and husband Richard Balog of Asheboro, North Carolina, and Lori and Larry Porter of Norfolk, Virginia, and their families.

Joseph will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by many other family, friends and coworkers.

The Family will receive Friends in the DEAN C. WHITMARSH FUNERAL HOME, 134 West Church Street, Fairchance, Pa., this evening from 7 to 9 p.m., Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., and on Wednesday, April 9, until 8:30 a.m. when a Prayer Service will be held.

A Mass of Christian Burial follows at 9 a.m. in Ss. Cyril & Methodius Roman Catholic Church, Fairchance, with Rev. Fr. David J. Nazimek as Celebrant.

Interment follows in Mount Saint Macrina Cemetery, Uniontown, Pa.