Joseph Gerard Betachini

Joseph G. Betachini of Archbald passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by loved ones from a glioblastoma brain tumor. Surviving is his adoring wife and best friend, Susan Evans Betachini. They celebrated 20 years of marriage July 29, 2020.

Joseph was the son of the late Nathan and Ann Fagan Betachini of Dickson City. He was a graduate of St. Patrick’s Catholic High School and held a master’s degree in education from the University of Scranton. Joe was an Army veteran in the Vietnam War.

He was the owner of Winner’s Circle Trophy and Engraving, Olyphant, for more than 45 years and was everyone’s “Favorite Trophy Man.” Joe was a PIAA referee for local area basketball games for more than 50 years. Being of the Catholic faith, Joe was an active member of Sacred Heart Church, Peckville.

His greatest joy in life was his son, Cody Joseph. Cody learned to ski at the age of four. They spent many ski seasons together at Elk Mountain and several ski trips to Vermont. Joe always coached Cody’s basketball and baseball teams. Joe was a huge sports fan. Baseball was his favorite sport. Each year, Joe and Cody would travel to a different major league baseball field to see a Boston Red Sox’s game. He was the true meaning of the word “dad.”

He will forever be remembered for being kind and caring.

A loving husband, father, son, brother, relative and friend, his legacy will forever live on through his son.

The family wishes to thank the entire staff of VNA Hospice and Home Health Care, for their compassion during this difficult time, and Jennifer Olszyk, Manager Oncology Research, Geisinger Wyoming Valley.

Also surviving are his loving son, Cody Joseph, Archbald; his sister, Karen McNichols, Olyphant; stepmother-in-law, Ann Marie Evans, Dunmore; sister-in-law, Sandra Messana (Anthony), Eynon; brother-in-law, Dr. Michael Evans (Stephanie), Eynon; niece, Ellen McNichols Lindeman; nephews: Ed McNichols (Pamela) and John McNichols; niece, Corinne Nulton; and nephews, Anthony Messana and Finn Michael Evans.

He was also preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Morgan and Irene Evans.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Willow Street, Peckville. The church will be open from 9 a.m. for family and friends. All attending will be required to follow all the CDC and state guidelines, including social distancing and wearing masks.

Due to the current health pandemic, interment will be private, at Fairview Memorial Mausoleum, by invitation only.

The family requests that memorial contributions may be made to VNA Hospice & Home Health, 301 Delaware Ave., Olyphant, PA 18447.

For directions or online condolences, please visit www.hudak-osheafuneralhome.com.