Joseph Michael Papay

Joseph Michael Papay , 73, formerly of Palmerton, PA, passed on Tuesday, January 17, 2017 in Sun City West, AZ where he moved after fulfilling his lifelong dream of living there.  He was the husband of Theresa "Terri" (Kemmerer) Papay, whom he married on November 5, 1999.  He was the son of the late Paul and Mary (Lazar) Papay of Palmerton, PA.

Joseph was a Supervisor/Facility Lead for the Recreation Center of Sun City West for over 16 years, and worked in sales for 84 Lumber, Palmerton and Butz Lumber in Carbon County, PA.  Joseph served his country honorably in the Navy and achieved the rank of SN(E-3).  He loved to garden and was a member of his local Agricultural Club, and a huge fan of Notre Dame.

Survivors: Joseph is survived by his wife, Terri.  Daughter, Shelly wife of Todd Reiner of Palmerton; Sons, Shawn and his wife Shelly of Lehighton, Mark of Tamaqua, and Shannon and fiancée Kinsey Kocher of Lehighton.  9 grandchildren, Ashley, Nikelle, and Sheldan Schleicher, and Savannah Michalik.  Alesha, Jarrid, Vanessa, Landon, and Levi Papay.  4 great-grandchildren, Camren Cruz, Kaylee Frable, Rynn and Maddy Papay.  Step-children, David Kemmerer and wife Amy of Syracuse, NY, and Lynn Mariani and husband Michael of Lehighton, PA.  2 Step-grandaughters, Abigale Kemmerer of NY, and Madison Mariani of Lehighton.  Ex-wife, Paula (Tartar) Papay and partner Steve Rodrigues.  Sister-in-law Carol Papay of Palmerton. Brother, Paul "Bill" Papay (Carol) passed away February of 2017. He was predeceased by younger brother Thomas, and wife Theresa of Lansford, PA.

Services: Funeral Mass of Christian Burial, Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., EST, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 243 Lafayette Avenue, Palmerton, Pennsylvania 18071.  Call, 9:00-10:00 a.m. in the Church. Interment with Military Honors will follow Mass, at Sacred Heart New Cemetery.  Officiating will be Rev. Fr. Stephen Halabura. Arrangements by Campton Funeral Home, Inc., 525 Delaware Avenue, Palmerton, PA 18071.

Contributions: May be made in his name to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Memorial Fund.