Joseph L. Astone

Joseph L. (Squinks) Astone , age 84 of 565 Lyle Drive, Hermitage, PA passed away surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday, August 1, 2012 at 6:23 p.m. in Sharon Regional Health System after a brief illness.
Born in Sharon on August 24, 1927, Mr. Astone was the son of Carmelo and Rose Oliver Astone. He attended Sharpsville schools and was employed in diverse occupations prior to entering the Army in 1945. While serving with the 5th Infantry Division during the end of WW II and the Korean Conflict he earned three Bronze Campaign stars. He was involved in the construction of the Korean War Memorial in West Middlesex, PA where his names is inscribed as a survivor.
He was a Retired Supervisor of Packard Electric/Delphi, Warren, Ohio. His wife of 48 years, the former Helen Janosko, whom he married on May 21, 1955, died on Jan. 22, 2004 .
Joe was an avid outdoorsman, highly interested and involved with hunting, fly fishing, and gardening. He especially enjoyed mentoring his young nephews and nieces in the love and appreciation of the Neshannock Creek and the Shenango River. Long walks and discussions helped many youngsters understand the world and its environment. Joe was the matriarch of a large wonderful family and would host Sunday dinners of his famous Italian food and conclude playing cards with his sisters. He instructed and passed on his wonderful skill of good food to his daughters who will continue to plant gardens and preserve his recipes. He was a highly accomplished classical and jazz clarinetist. He would travel to musical conventions throughout the country and once in Chicago was honored to play with his idol, Artie Shaw. His love of music and mentoring of the young resulted in the 2011 donation of a favorite clarinet to the Sharon High School Loud and Proud Band Program and he encouraged others to donate instruments to make this program a great success. Joe participated in the AARP, The Musicians Labor Union, Shenango Valley Concert Band, The Sharon American Legion Post 299,, F.H.Buhl Club as a volunteer, numerous fishing, gardening and hunting organizations.
He is survived by his two daughters, Annette Pawluk and husband Paul of Hermitage,and Janine Astone and his son Joe, both at home. Also survivng are his sisters; Mrs. Carl (Ida) Marcus, Mrs. Frances DiFeo and husband, Gary, Mrs. Edmund (Rosalie) Del Papa, and Mrs. Albert (Gloria) Hassel, all of Sharon. He will be missed by his grandchildren, Amanda, Mrs. Jason (Melinda) Griffin, Jeffrey Pawluk, and great granddaughter Callie Griffin. His many nieces, nephews, neighbors, friends and canine companion Casea will miss Joe's wisdom and patience especially with growing garlic and tomatoes. Besides his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Norman Astone, sisters; Mrs. Nick (Josephine) Gligor, Mrs. Albert (Mary) Taub, and Mrs. Carl (Jennie) Sakony.
Contributions in his memory may be made to the Sharon High School Loud and Proud Fund,Office of the Superintendant, 215 Forker Blvd., Sharon PA 16146.
Friends are invited to call on Sunday from 2:00-5:00p.m., at Harold W. Stevenson Funeral Home. , 264 East State St., Sharon, PA 16416
Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Sharon, PA. at 10:30p.m. on Monday, August 6th,2012 with Rev. Glenn Whitman officiating.
Interment at St. Mary's Cemetery, Hermitage, Pa. with Military Honors provided by the Hickory VFW Poat 6166 Honor Guard.