Joseph Brasco

Joseph Brasco, 92, of Midland, passed away at home, Thursday, January 15, 2020.

He was born March 3, 1927, in Braddock, Pa, and was the son of the late John and Mary Shaffo Brasco.

Joseph was raised in Midland and initially attended Lincoln High School. Later, his family relocated to join their extended family, who were rice farmers, in Stuttgart, Arkansas. In 1944, he graduated from high school in Stuttgart, Arkansas.

In 1945 and 1946, he was active in the United States Navy where he served as Seaman First Class on the U.S.S. Miami (CL-89), a light armored cruiser, during World War II in the Pacific Ocean theater.

After his military service, he graduated from the Pennsylvania State University, in 1951, with a Bachelor of Science degree, in Architecture. He was then employed by Robert F. Beatty, an architectural firm, located in East Liverpool, Ohio, for 32 years. He worked on many large-scale projects including the East Liverpool City Hospital and High School, Midland High School Gymnasium (his most embraced project), along with international projects such as the U.S. Embassies in Nigeria and Wellington, New Zealand.

Joseph (Joe) was also very active in the Midland community as an unofficial social director especially to his friends on Ohio Avenue. His house was a second home to his friends and family and a great place for all to join him for good conversation and advice on life, sports or politics. On the Fourth of July, his residence was always a traditional place to be for friends and family.

Joseph was a supporting member of the St. Blaise Roman Catholic Parish in Midland, Pa.

Surviving are his nieces and nephews, Denise (Elbie) Yaworsky of Ambridge, PA, Philip (Judith) Scarsella of Winchester, VA, Paul (Linda) Scarsella of Bethel Park, PA , Debbie (Patsy) Pitzarella of Canonsburg, PA, and Diana (Randy) St. Cyr of Sumter, SC, Carol (Paul) Hooks of Stuttgart, AR Annamarie (Dan) Mellett of Harrisburg, PA, Marlene (Tim) Moran of Fallston, PA and Nicholas (Gina Shutrump) Shutey, of Beloit, OH. Surviving also are his loving great nieces and nephews, and his very close friend and caretaker, Gregory Scelp of Midland, PA who Joe deeply appreciated and called “Craig.”

Deceased, in addition to his parents, are a brother, John Brasco, and sisters, Rosemarie Shutey and Dorothy Scarsella. Visitation will take place in the Schwerha-Noll Funeral Home, 600 Beaver Avenue, Midland, PA 15059, Friday, January 24, 2020 from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Blaise Roman Catholic Church, 772 Ohio Avenue, Midland, PA 15059, Saturday, January 25, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Beaver Cemetery.

Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.