Joseph (Joe) Ferguson, 58, a lifelong resident of Scranton, passed away Monday, July 7th. He was surrounded by his family that loved him at the Hospice of the Sacred Heart. Joe had a hard fought battle with diabetes, which slowed him down, but never took away his love for life.
Joe was the oldest child born to the late Joseph and Rosemary Connor Ferguson. He grew up in Minooka’s Pennwood Development, where he spent his childhood with his siblings and neighbors who were like family. Losing his father to pneumonia in third grade, undoubtedly shaped who he was for the rest of his life. He had missed him everyday since 1975.
Joe was a proud graduate of Scranton Central High School, where he met many of his lifelong friends, including his best friend Terry Garvey, who was a great friend. Joe attended Johnson College to pursue his love of art and design. Joe was a natural-born artist, and could perfectly sketch anything from memory. He was also an aviation enthusiast and combined this with his artistic talent to create drawings of any airplane ever made. His love of technical drawings aided him in learning CAD and AUTOCAD where he took his skills to COMTEC/Santana Products where he worked for several years. He ended his career in the Scranton School District, working in the maintenance department at Scranton High, which kept him active and engaged until his illness didn't allow him to continue working.
Joe is survived by his 3 siblings and their families. His sisters, Rosemary Robertson and daughter Jenna (Clarks Summit); Jennifer and husband Dr. Christopher Peters and their children Rose, Kate, and Gavin (Clarks Summit); and his brother Timothy and wife Julie Ferguson and daughter Emily (Scranton). He is also survived by his girlfriend Wendy Vogel-McCawley and her family. Wendy was a loving and uplifting force in Joe’s life, and their shared love of adventure and fun allowed them to share countless good times together. His siblings and girlfriend were his best friends, and he loved every moment spent with them.
In addition to his siblings, Joe is survived by numerous aunts and uncles and an entourage of cousins all around the United States. Joe was the proud oldest of the Connor cousins, but was somewhere in the middle of the Fergusons. To say Joe loved his family, especially his cousins, was a gross understatement. He looked forward to every event big or small! Whether it was being with the Hartmans, Gallaghers, Goldens, Fergusons, Deans, Donahues, Connors, Siebeckers, Priscos, Lewis', Knights or Danny Bernardini, he was always ready for a party and loved them all individually. He also loved his extended family including all of the Gavin cousins, the Hills and the Peters, and felt privileged to spend every holiday and celebration with them.
His siblings would like to thank all the Healthcare workers who aided Joe in his fight against Diabetes including, Dr.Ferdinand Manahan, and the staff at Allied campus DaVita Dialysis, Dr.Elmo Baldassari, Dr. Martin Penetar, Dr. Randy Peairs, and his friend and cousin-in-law Dr. Michael Boland who would see Joe on a moment's notice, the staff at Andrew Brown’s Pharmacy especially Michael Brown for years of care and a friendly voice on the phone when
Joe needed it most. The staff of Geisinger ICU and PCU for the exceptional care and compassion they gave and the staff at Hospice of the Sacred Heart whose compassion and care for Joe and his family was second to none. From the office staff to the nursing staff to the dedicated volunteers, Sacred Heart was truly a gift to Joe and his family. Roe and Tim would like to publicly thank their sister Jennifer and brother-in-law Chris for their unwavering devotion and dedication to their brother's care. From countless dialysis rides and medical appointments to his favorite meal on the grill, the Peters home was his safe haven, his happy place, and his home away from home after our Mom passed away in 2015. Special thanks to Joe’s aunts Tootsie Bernardini and Barbara Knight for their love and devotion these past few weeks.
Joe was the quintessential easy going guy. He loved his nieces and nephew, and in good health, would be the first in a parking lot to attend their events. He was known to give amazing gifts, have a quick-witted sense of humor, and be a great listener and friend. He will be missed dearly.
In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded by an infant brother Daniel, his grandparents Anthony and Rose Gavin Connor and Robert and Margaret McLaughlin Ferguson, his godparents Fr. Jack Connor C.P. and Jane Connor Siebecker, who he loved immensely, many aunts, uncles and cousins.
For most of his life, Joe had many health obstacles working against him, but he put a smile on his face everyday and loved and lived life to the fullest. He lived everyday with kindness and compassion. His family has created a scholarship in his name for a local high school student who embodies the values Joe had. Donations can be made to: Joseph D. Ferguson Memorial Fund, in care of Fidelity Bank 101 North Blakely Street, Dunmore, PA 18512, or friends may go to any branch location to make a contribution.
Above all, Joe loved being surrounded by his family and friends, and was always up for a good time. In the spirit of Joe, a celebration of life is planned for his friends and family. Interment is private at the Cathedral cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Thomas J. Hughes Funeral Home 1240 Saint Ann Street, Scranton. To leave an online condolence please visit the guestbook at thomasjhughesfuneralhomes.com.
Visitation
Please refer to above obituary for location and time.
Funeral Services
Please refer to above obituary for location and time.
Guestbook
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Susie McHugh
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My deepest condolences to Roe, Jennifer, Tim and their families. Imagine the long awaited welcome from his father reuniting with his mom. Rest in peace, dear cousin ❤️
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Betsy (Blockberger) Hoban
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I can’t express how sorry I am for your loss. The Ferguson’s were always family to us and Joe was a sweet and funny guy who will be truly missed by many. God Bless you all at this sad time.
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James Williams
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I am keeping you and your family in my thoughts and on my heart.
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Michael Ford
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Joe has always been a truly bright light in the lives of the people around him… I can never think of a time he didn’t have a smile on his face… or a moment, his laugh didn’t light up the faces of his close friends who were always at his side. My condolences for your loss… Scranton lost one of its very best.
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Roe and Jenna
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Nothing will ever be the same without you Joe. Our hope is that you're no longer suffering from any type of ailment. You were simply the best and deserved better. I hope you're seeing how much you were loved.
We'll see you again someday but until then we hope you'll watch over everyone you loved, especially the kids.
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Lindsay
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So sorry to hear about this. Joe, I didn’t know you well, but you were friends with some of my friends. You helped me out in times of need before. You always had a great sense of humor. Fly high, Joe. 🪽
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Hillary and Jeff Bockelkamp
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So sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed.
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T. J. Finley
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On behalf of the former Pennwood Park Finley family, please accept our deepest condolences on Joe’s untimely passing. I have no doubt that your parents were waiting with open arms to receive him…R.I.P
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Janice Sandy
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What a beautiful tribute to a truly amazing soul. Always kind, funny and up for a good time. Friends had many great times with Joe. He will be missed immensely, but prayers for him that he is no longer suffering. God Bless You
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Michelle Shields Miller
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So sorry for Joe's families loss he was such a sweet amazing man always kind Rest in Peace Joe
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Jeremy Shaw
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So very sorry for your loss. I knew Joe from the school and it’s unfortunate he lost the battle at such a young age. Sending condolences to his daughter Victoria and her mother. I hope you find peace in this difficult time.
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Amy Jo Morgan-Michael
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Joe was a friend and classmate of mine since childhood. We ran into each other several months ago at Walmart (I remember when us meeting at Gannons was a thing "back in the day" LOL ). In his usual Ferg style, using his great sense of humor, we discussed the joys of aging and our many ailments. His smile and laughter will be deeply missed by anyone who knew him. God speed Joe, and rest in peace my friend.
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Patrick Hartman
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I’m so sorry for your loss. Joe was truly a great guy.
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Teresa Osborne
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My sympathies on the passing of your dear brother, Joe. While the death of a loved one is never easy, the loss of a sibling is different. I hope you give yourselves grace with your grief as you remember your brother and all the moments you shared as a family. You’re in my prayers.
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Wendy McCawley
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Joe you will forever be in my heart and memories. We shared a lot of good times together along with a lot of laughs. Love you with all my heart. Until we meet again.❤️
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Fred Aebli
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You are an essential part of my memories from a childhood neighborhood that made me who I am. Our connection over the years was always met with a friendly smile and genuine interest in reconnecting. You will be remembered for the remainder of our lifetimes Joe. God bless your souls and rest in peace. May the partial light shine upon you.
Your neighbor and friend.
- Freddie
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Susan Pettinato
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Sending my sincerest condolences.
I had such fond memories of Joe in high school.
He was truly a great guy with an impeccable sense of humor and a heart of gold.
💛
May his memory always be a blessing and a comfort.
❤️🙏
Fly high my friend.
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Allison Casey
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I am so very sorry of Joes passing. He is in no more pain and up in heaven with God
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Eileen Haggerty
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Roe, Jennifer Tim and family. So saddened by this news. What a wonderful life . God Bless you all.
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Colleen Winters
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Oh Joey, you are the best! Haven’t seen you in a long time, but remember when you drove me to Ocean City with Carla when I had my broken leg. That’s one trip will never forget.
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Stanley Prisco
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Roro, Tim & Julie. I am so saddened by the news of Joe’s death. I was blessed to have cross paths with Joe and Wendy a year or so back. It was great seeing him after a lengthy hiatus. At the time, he seemed very happy to have Wendy in his life. His obituary is beautiful. His family is rightfully proud of his many achievements. He rejoins his mom and dad. They are certainly embracing him with the strongest bear hugs. I will pray for Joe tonight and implore him to watch over me as I continue my pilgrimage. Joe is fortunate to be surrounded by a loving family. Remain strong in these trying days as you shepherd Joe onto this new chapter free of worldly concerns. Rest in peace Joe Ferguson… my love to each of you…stan prisco
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Pamela Sealey Walker
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I am very sorry for your family’s great loss. Praying that you are surrounded by God’s peace and comfort. May perpetual light shine upon Joe
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Jenn and Victoria
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We will ll miss u more than anyone will ever understand. U and I have spent 40 years in each others life, some good snd some challenging. But in those years we had a beautiful daughter. And had many wonderful memories. I pray u will find peace and free of pain. Im sorry ur end of life had to be so painful and sad. God bless u. And please watch over our beautiful Toria. Love Jenn
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Maria Rooney
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My sincerest condolences to Joe's family. Rest in eternal peace Joe. 🙏 ✝️
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Teresa Gentile Kalinich
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Sending so much love to Joe’s family and friends. He was a great guy and I’ll remember him fondly. (Scranton Central Class of ‘85)
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Regina and Jim Peters
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God bless you,Joe. We will miss you at our family gatherings but are happy you are at peace.
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Marty Nealon
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To the Ferguson Family,
I am extremely sorry for your loss, and I was deeply saddened to hear of Joe’s passing. Joe was someone I’ve known for a great deal of time—since high school, in fact—and his memory will stay with me always.
From the days we shared in class to his wedding and the years that followed, Joe remained a steady presence in my life, even if our paths didn’t always cross as often as we’d like. After high school, though life pulled us in different directions, whenever I was in town or picked up the phone, Joe was there. No hesitation. He’d meet up, we’d grab a bite or just talk—and without fail, we’d end up laughing about something from the old days. It didn’t matter how much time had passed—it always felt like no time at all.
Joe had that gift. He made people feel welcome, like no time or distance could change the bond. He was a kind soul, genuine to the core, and someone I’ll always be grateful to have known.
Please know that your family—and Joe—are in my thoughts and prayers during this time.
Fair winds and gentle seas to you, my friend.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Marty
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