Obituary of Joseph V. Davitt

Joseph V. Davitt, 80, of South Canaan Township passed away Tuesday morning, August 22, 2017 at Geisinger Community Medical Center following an illness.  He was preceded in death by his wife, the former Kathryn “Cindy” Lyons in 2008.  They were married more than 41 years.

Born February 13, 1937 at home in South Canaan, he was the son of the late Joseph and Edna (Marhefka) Davitt.

Joe was a proud and respected leader of this community.  He faithfully supported his children and their many activities.  Joe was a former member of the Western Wayne School Board and served as President for several terms, along with Board Treasurer. A staunch advocate for education, Joe also served on the Board of Directors of the NEIU.  He was a faithful and devout member of St. Mary’s Church in Waymart.  Joe was a member of various organizations which include the Knights of Columbus, the Pat Walsh Tournament Committee, the Honesdale Kiwanis Club, and the Waymart Lions Club. 

 He was an avid sports fan and loved to support Western Wayne athletics. Penn State Football was at the core of devotion to sports. You often heard him chanting, "WE ARE!” which was always followed with bystanders chanting back "Penn State!” Joe also cheered for his Detroit Lions and Tigers, no matter how bad their season was going. He was a former Teener League coach, coached softball and baseball at Western Wayne High School, and he was a Wayne County Sports Hall of Fame Nominee.

 As a lifelong advocate of family agriculture, Joe proudly owned and operated his family dairy farm for many years. He was employed by the following:  PennDOT, Sugarman’s in Eynon, NEIU driver, and was the manager of Wayne Bank in Waymart.  He enjoyed driving the tractor at Roba's Farms for many years. Ever the public servant, Joe was faithfully committed to politics and had the distinction of serving as an elected official as the Chairman of the Wayne County Democratic party.  He believed in his civic duty, actively participating in Voters Registration to ensure that your voice was heard; no matter your political affiliation. 

 Joe adored his grandchildren and loyal companion, Sparky. His influence and devotion to his family, friends, neighbors, and the community at large will continue for years to come.  Joe will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. “We are . . .  going to miss YOU”!

 Joe is survived by five children: Lisa Ann Costa and her husband Christopher of Laflin, Joseph E. Davitt and his wife Cheryl of Waymart, Tracy Ann Davitt of Laflin, Kelliann Davitt and Jonathan Hillemann of Honesdale, and Robert Davitt and his wife Melissa of Honesdale; seven grandchildren: Katie Ann Costa, Morgan Costa, Dylan Davitt, Evan Davitt, Colton Hillemann, Aaedyn Hillemann, and Andrew Davitt; three sisters:  Ceil Zapotosky of Carbondale, Pearl Kolanda of Binghamton, NY, and Victoria Bonear of Honesdale; in-laws: Mary Ann Lyons, Jean Lyons, Betty Lyons, James and Gloria Lyons all of Archbald; and MANY nieces and nephews and their families all of whom he adored.  He was also preceded in death by a sister, Marian “Monya” Casey of Carbondale.

 The Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 10 a.m. in St. Mary's Church, Waymart. Anyone attending the funeral is asked to go directly to the church Saturday morning. 

Friends may call Friday, August 25, 2017 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Jenkins Funeral Home—Edward Howell, Funeral Director, 269 Belmont Street, Waymart, PA.

Interment will be Saturday in the Waymart Cemetery at Canaan Corners, Owego Turnpike.

www.JenkinsHowellFuneralHome.com