Obituary of Joseph J. Margalis

Miners Mills is a little less jovial following the death of Joseph Margalis who passed away Thursday, November 16, 2023, at Allied Hospice Center in Wilkes-Barre after a brief illness. A short, stout, mustachioed man known to many as Beaver, or often Bev-O, he was born, and happily lived his life in the Miners-Mills section of Wilkes-Barre. After graduating from James M. Coughlin High School, he went to Lincoln Technical Institute in Philadelphia where he learned to become an expert diesel mechanic before returning to the Wyoming Valley for a long career with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation where he retired as a Supervisory Diesel Mechanic. Those who had the chance to hear his raspy voice could reliably rest assured that laughter was soon to follow, especially if they were fortunate enough to hear him shout,"sveikata," (cheers, in Lithuanian) while raising a glass from across the barroom. In the right light, he could carry on conversations for hours about NASCAR and the New York Giants in one one afternoon or swing to the opposite side of culture a few nights later to rave about the Talking Heads and the B-52's. He was a man who loved celebrating his neighborhood and his people. He showed it whether he was doing community work through the Triangle Club or simply lending a concerned ear to his many friends and family members. Joe valued hard work and honesty, values passed on to him by his loving parents. Though his wit and mischievous smile will be missed, his robust personality ensured that he will not be forgotten. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his favorite feline Bootsie who passed a few hours earlier on the same day as Joe. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth( Betty) Schur; two sisters: Susan Perlis and her husband Joseph, Swedesboro, NJ, and Andrea Stackhouse and her husband Kenny, West Pittston; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends with whom he maintained very close relationships. The family would like to express sincere gratitude to the team at the Hospice Center for keeping Joe comfortable and for the kindness and compassion shown to the family during this difficult time, especially Chaplain Gerlin Valencia for his much needed spiritual support. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation and Mass of Christian Burial to be held on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at Saints Peter and Paul Church, 13 Hudson Road, Plains Twp. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. until the start of Mass at 10:00 a.m. Mass will be officiated by Rev. John Lambert, Pastor. Interment will follow in St. Francis Cemetery, Plains Twp. Arrangements have been placed in the care of the Yanaitis Funeral Home Inc., Plains Twp.