Joseph R. Gozditis, Sr. age 76 of East Centre St., Shenandoah passed away early Friday morning at Ridgeview Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, Shenandoah Heights.

Born in Shenandoah on July 28, 1937 he was the son of the late Joseph and Helen (Kiselewski) Gozditis.

He was a 1955 graduate of the former J.W. Cooper High School, Shenandoah.

Mr. Gozditis was a decorated Navy veteran having served his country during the Korean War. He was a semiprofessional boxer while serving in the Navy.

Joe worked in construction.

He enjoyed riding his Indian motorcycle and shooting darts with his friends.

Surviving are his wife of 54 years, the former Charlotte Brown; one son, Joseph Gozditis, Jr. and his wife Margie of Ringtown; one daughter, Darlene Pellegrino and her husband Jim of Shenandoah; three granddaughters, Ashley and Rachel Gozditis of Ringtown and Nicollette Pellegrino of Shenandoah; nieces, nephews and cousins including, Ronald Kiselewski and Joanne Jachimczyk both of Shenandoah.

Prayer and scripture services will be held Wednesday, 11:00 am at Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 S. Jardin St., Shenandoah. Rev. Christopher Wollyung will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow in Our Lady of Fatima Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights.

Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home Wednesday morning from 9:00 am until 11:00 am.

Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, Shenandoah is in charge of the arrangements.