Joseph J. Barletta, Jr., 79, formerly of Exeter, passed away on Monday July 11, 2022 at the Department of Veteran Affairs, Plains Twp.

Born in Kingston, he was the son of the late Joseph J. and Anna C. Burakiewicz Barletta.

Joseph was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Church, Exeter and a former member of the American Legion Post 0655, Larksville.

He was a 1961 graduate of Exeter High School and then went on to join the United States Coast Guard.

After completing his tour of duty, he went on to advance himself with a business degree from King's College, Wilkes-Barre in 1981.

He worked as a supervisor at Topps Chewing Gum, Duryea until their closing and later had retired as supervisor from Muskin pools.

Throughout his life, Joseph was an avid history buff, enjoying watching historical programs on topics such as WWII and military history.  In his later years he became a fan of the programs Ancient Aliens, and American Pickers which he enjoyed watching with his family.  

Joseph shared his love of trains with all he knew, and would construct large platforms of model train sets for his niece and nephew to enjoy.  As a collector and enthusiast, he would attend train shows and visit railroad museums and attractions regularly. 

He was a loving uncle and brother, holding family very close and in the highest regard, especially, his sister, niece and nephew.  

He will be remembered for his boisterous laugh and infectious smile, good natured humor and his devotion to his family. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his uncles Adam and Stanley Burakiewicz.

He will be missed dearly by his surviving family, his sister Gloria and her husband Gerald Kreitzer, Wyoming, a niece Kelly Ann and her husband Drew Hikes, Lancaster and their children, Aubrey and Lily Hikes, and a nephew Eugene Delaney, Exeter.

Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation on Friday from 6-8pm at the Gubbiotti Funeral Home, LLC, 1030 Wyoming Ave., Exeter.

Funeral will be on Saturday at 10:00am from the funeral home with Military Honors accorded by the Greater Pittston AmVets .

A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30am at St. Barbara Parish in St. Anthony of Padua Church, 224 Memorial St.,Exeter with the Monsignor John Sempa, pastor as celebrant.

Interment will follow at Mount Olivet Roman Catholic Cemetery, Wyoming.

To send the family an expression of sympathy or an online condolence, please visit www.gubbiottifh.com