Joseph W. Belechak

Formerly of North Braddock, a resident of Point Pleasant in North Versailles, passed away peacefully with his family present on Friday, January 10, 2025, at the age of 92.

Joe was the beloved husband of the late Mary Catherine (DeLucia) Belechak for 69 years.

He was the loving father of Aimee (Jesse) Campayno, Mary Jo (David) Caparosa, Diane (Joseph) Shaffo, Anita (Gary) Nixon, Joe (Michelle) Belechak, John (Johnette) Belechak and Jude (Ben Benack) Punturi.

Joe was the devoted grandfather to 41 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Elizabeth (Grunder) Belechak and his brother, Stephen (late Florence) Belechak.

Born and raised in North Braddock, Joe was a proud 1950 graduate of North Braddock Scott High School, where he earned a basketball scholarship to Geneva College.

Joe's journey took a patriotic turn when he enlisted in the US Air Force during the Korean War.  After his military duties, Joe entered the apprenticeship program with Westinghouse in East Pittsburgh. He later became employed at Elliott Co. in Irwin from where he retired.
Joe was soon called upon by the Diocese of Pittsburgh to serve as the director of the Bishop Boyle Center in Homestead. For a decade, he led the center's job training program, helping displaced workers and the unemployed gain new skills and hope for the future

Joe loved his faith deeply, leading Bible Studies at Good Shepherd Parish and for his fellow residents at Point Pleasant.
Over the years, Joe volunteered with several diocesan programs, including Marriage Encounter, Engaged Encounter, and T.E.C., a program designed to help teenagers grow closer to Christ.

Joe's spirit and loving nature were most apparent in how he lived his life every day. Joe's faith was the cornerstone of his life.

 Friends are welcome on Monday from 3-8pm at Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., Turtle Creek / Monroeville Chapel, 1111 Monroeville Ave., Turtle Creek, 412-823-9350.
Mass of Christian Burial in St. John Fisher Church (St. Joseph the Worker Parish) on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m THE FAMILY REQUESTS THAT YOU MEET AT THE CHURCH.

Joe will be laid to rest privately with Mary at Braddock Catholic Cemetery.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Matthew J. Clark ‘12 Endowment Fund at www.centralcatholichs.com/pages/give, select “Endowment” followed by Matthew J. Clark ’12 Endowment Fund or mail checks payable to Central Catholic High School, 4720 Fifth Ave., Pgh., Pa 15213.

Also, memorial donations may be sent to Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, 55 Ryder Rd., Ossining, NY 10562 or www.maryknollsociety.org.