Joseph R. Skochen, age 88, of Shavertown, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, with full military honors at the VA hospice surrounded by his loving daughters.  

Born March 22, 1937, in Plains, he was the son of the late John Skochen and Pauline Dvornicky Skochen. Joseph was a graduate of Plains High School, Class of 1956, and was a member of All Saints Parish, Plymouth.

He was a proud US Army Veteran enlisting in Army as a military policeman and achieved the rank of E7 Sergeant First Class (SFC) during the Vietnam War Era.  SFC Skochen retired from the PA Army National Guard after twenty years of service and continued to support all veterans as a member of the Amvets Post 59 Breslau, Hanover Twp, The Plymouth VFW 1425, and The American Legion Post 609, Hanover Twp.  

Prior to his retirement, he was employed by State Correctional Institution, Dallas as a correctional officer. Joe also worked as the meat manager at the A & P Store Shickshinny and various other locations, and Thomas's Meat Market, Larksville PA.

Joe cherished being a grandfather to Emily and Calvin.  He loved spending time with them whether it be enjoying the outdoors or simply talking at dinner to catch up on their busy lives.  Their close relationship comforted him throughout his illness.    

Joe lived with his daughter Sharon and husband Dave. Sharon, Dave and Diane provided loving care for their father as his health declined. The family support Joe experienced was one of devotion and admiration.  

Joe had a love for the outdoors, whether it be hunting or fishing with his family and friends. He belonged to several cabins throughout his life and created so many fond memories with all of his friends and family.  The adventures he created through the outdoors will be cherished and remembered by all the people he touched.  Joe passed on his knowledge of the outdoors as an instructor with the PA Game Commission teaching hunter trapper education safety courses.  

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, the former Bernadette A. Bitsko, who passed away on July 10, 1994; Joe cherished Bernie and together they raised two beautiful daughters and devoted themselves to each other.  sisters, Anne Brazinski and Mary Sholtis; and brother, John Skochen.

Surviving are his loving daughters, Sharon Amrowski (David), with whom he resided, Shavertown, and Diane Brzozowski (Daniel), Plymouth Twp.; grandchildren, Emily and Calvin Brzozowski; sisters, Sophie Kryzwicki, Plains Twp., Josephine Polinski (Michael), Plains Twp., and Rosalie Sorbelli, Wilkes Barre; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call on Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the S.J. Grontkowski Funeral Home, 530 West Main Street, Plymouth.  

Funeral and military service will be held on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the S.J. Grontkowski Funeral Home, Plymouth.

In lieu of flowers, contributions, if desired, may be made in Joseph's memory to K9s For Warriors, at donate.k9sforwarriors.org

Joseph's family would like to extend a special thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff of the VA Medical Center and Hospice, especially Dr. Ronald Nardell.

To share online condolences with Joseph's family, please visit www.sjgrontkowskifuneralhome.com.