Obituary of Joseph Stochla

Joseph “Joe” M. Stochla, 65, of Larksville, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 surrounded by his loving family at his home after an incredibly courageous year-long battle with esophageal cancer. Joe, son of the late Mayor Joseph J. Stochla and Elizabeth “Betty” Stochla, was born in Kingston on April 22, 1959 and grew up in Edwardsville. He was a graduate of Wyoming Valley West High School, Class of 1977. Joe was an active member of St. Nicholas Church in Wilkes-Barre. He was the proud president of their Holy Name Society for over 35 years and organized and participated in many events including his favorite “German Nite.” As Joe’s battle with cancer became harder, his faith in God only grew stronger. Joe was a salesman in the plumbing and heating industry for 47 years. Before his retirement, he was a proud employee of R.J. Walker, Co in Wilkes-Barre. One of Joe’s favorite things was socializing with his coworkers and customers, who became more like family to him. He cherished all of the relationships he had with his friends. One of Joe’s many talents was being able to strike up a conversation with anyone about anything. He had an amazing sense of humor and was an avid sports fan. He always remembered which teams people liked and would excitedly talk about recent games and sporting events. He had an amazing ability to instantly recall statistics and scores. Joe will be forever missed by his loving wife and devoted caretaker, Michele Stochla, who he recently celebrated 40 years of marriage with; his two daughters: Dr. Nicole Stochla and her husband, Alexander Edwards; Kaitlyn Stochla and her fiancė, Eric Foti; his 5 siblings: Elizabeth Frusciante, and her husband, Nicholas; his twin Marilyn Bogumil and her husband, Stanley; John Stochla and his wife, Tammy; David Stochla and his wife, Janet; Janet Toporcer and her husband, Michael; many cousins, nieces, and nephews; and his beloved dog. Joe’s daughters were his pride and joy. He never missed an opportunity to talk about them and how proud he was of them and their accomplishments. Joe will forever be remembered for being a loving son, husband, father, brother, and uncle. Joe’s family would like to thank all of the individuals who helped care for Joe through his difficult journey with cancer including all of his doctors, nurses, and therapists. We are forever grateful. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 4 to 7 pm on Sunday, January 19th in St. Nicholas Church, 226 S. Washington St., Wilkes-Barre. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am on Monday, January 20th in St. Nicholas Church. Those attending the Mass are asked to go directly to the church on Monday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Blue Chip Animal Farm Refuge, 964 Lockville Rd., Dallas, PA 18612. Condolences may be sent by visiting Joe’s obituary at www.ngjfuneral.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre.