Joseph Ferguson

 

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.

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