Obituary of Joseph Michael Sakavage Jr.

Joseph M. Sakavage Jr., 65, of Wilkes-Barre, passed peacefully on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, while in the care of the Post Acute Specialty Hospital, Wilkes-Barre. Born in Limestone, Maine, on August 31, 1959, Joseph Jr. was a son to the late Joseph Sr. and Barbara Ann Day Sakavage. After Joseph Sr. was discharged from the service, the family settled in the Miners-Mills section of Wilkes-Barre. Joe attended local schools and was a graduate of James M. Coughlin High School, class of 1977. After graduation, Joe enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served his country in the Philippines, South Korea, and his final duty station in San Diego. After being honorably discharged he returned home to the Valley. Joe returned to his education and attended Misericordia University where he received a degree in social work. Joe still had a job working in construction and hanging drywall. His life changed when he met James A. Casey. Joe began working for the James A. Casey House of Wilkes-Barre. Joe over time became the Project Director for the last twenty years of helping many men get back on their feet after recovery. Joe was devoted to the House’s mission and prided himself and the staff with the project’s success. When Joe was at home, he lived a very low-key lifestyle. He enjoyed the simple things of reading a good book, bird watching in his backyard, enjoying a few television shows he liked, and spending time with his cats and dogs. In 2008 , he met Jamie Sesnowich and the two have been together ever since. Joe became a father figure to Jamie’s daughter Ava over the years and he loved both of them very much and we will be missed by all who knew him. Joe was preceded in passing by his loving parents Joseph Sr and Barbara; and his brother Gary. Surviving are his sister Christine Gozick and her husband Mark, Plains; his companion Jamie Sesnowich and her daughter Ava M. Catrone, Wilkes-Barre; nieces Chelsea Sakavage and her fiancé Cody Healy, Dallas; Marley Zelinka and her husband TJ, Moosic; nephew Collin Gozick and his companion Jennie Skursky, VA; his pugs Joy Joy and Buddy, and his cats Pee Wee and Pinky. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial visitation to be held on Friday, October 18, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Yanaitis Funeral Home Inc., 55 Stark Street, Plains. Interment will be held private at the convenience of his family.