Our world is now dimmer with the passing of Joseph F. Luby, 89, who died peacefully on May 13th in his North Scranton home, but the heavens are much brighter, for they have welcomed the radiant spirit of a man who was full of light and love. To know Joe Luby was to have a friend; he never had a bad word to say about anyone and was quick to offer a smile to everyone he met, including the many nurses, doctors and other health care staff he encountered throughout his 11-month battle with mesothelioma. Joe grew up in South Scranton and had many roller skating and dance partners in his early days, but none could compare to his lifelong dance partner: his wife Carol Ann Dolan Luby, who was by his side the moment he passed. Joe and Carol lit up the dance floor together through 59 years of marriage. In addition to dancing their favorite swing moves of the Jitterbug, they enjoyed sharing evening cocktails together on their backyard swing or sitting on the front porch, traveling together and spending time with their family. Over the past two years, Joe became an avid chess player, challenging his wife and children to several games of which he won many. While cancer challenged his body, Joe took great pride in showing off his chess moves up until just weeks before his death. When he retired after 48 years as an employee of the Scranton Times, Joe began to call The Greater Scranton YMCA his “office,” with a nearly daily routine of swimming, weights and time in the steam room to chat with the many gentlemen he met of all ages. Joe proudly served his country in the Navy on the USS Charles R. Ware. In addition to his wife, Joe is survived by his son Paul Luby of Lake Meade, PA, Paul’s wife Kelly and their three children Morris, Madi and Ethan; and his daughter Jeannine Luby, owner of Laugh to Live. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Joe will always be remembered as a cool Dad who took his kids ice skating, roller skating, biking, skiing and to rock concerts, in addition to creating years of colorful memories in the backyard pool and at Lake Winola with the Johnson and Fidati families. Joe’s family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to his hospice nurse Samantha Knowlton and the rest of the staff at Hospice of the Sacred Heart who helped to make Joe’s transition as compassionate and comfortable as possible. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider donating to the Greater Scranton YMCA’s Aquatics Department in Joe’s memory. Friends may call Sunday afternoon from 4 to 6 PM at McGoff-Hughes Funeral Home, 1401 Capouse Ave, Scranton PA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Mary Mother of God Church at 9:30AM Monday morning. Interment Cathedral Cemetery with full military honors.

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