Joseph B. Derzack Times News August 1, 2005

Joseph B. Derzack, 66, of Coaldale, died Friday (July 29) in the Geriatric Center of St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital, Coaldale.

He had been employed by Johns Manville in New Jersey. After high school, he was employed at the My Place Restaurant, Lansford.

Born in Coaldale, he was a son of the late Michael and Josephine (Valent) Derzak.

A veteran of the U.S. Army, he served at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., at the rank of E-5.

He was a member of SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, Coaldale, where he served as Sexton for more than 30 years. He was also an usher, Eucharistic Minister and lector, past president of the parish Holy Name Society, member of the church choir, director of altar servers and was responsible for maintaining the parish cemetery and decorating the church for special services.

A 1957 graduate of Coaldale High School, Derzack was a member of the Coaldale American Legion.

Surviving are two brothers, the Rev. Thomas A. of Lansford and Michael and his wife, Barbara of Raritan, N.J.; a niece and a nephew.

He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Elizabeth Stocus and Barbara Derzack; and a nephew, Mark Stocus.

The Holmes-Griffiths Funeral Home, 200 E. Bertsch St., Lansford, is in charge of arrangements.