Joseph F. Shifton Sr., formerly of South Dewey Avenue, West Scranton, a resident of Gino Merli Veterans Center, died Saturday, at Regional Hospital of Scranton. His wife of 55 years, Rosetta “Rose” Shifton, died May 25, 2005. Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late Anthony and Helen Carmen Shifton. Joe was a graduate Scranton Central High School, and retired from the United States Navy as a Chief Petty Officer having served in WW II, Korea and Viet Nam and after his service, became the Captain of Guards for PNC Bank. Joe was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church, Taylor. He is survived by one brother, Eugene Shifton, Wichita, Kansas, one sister, Betty Breen, Palm Coast, FL, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by one son, Joseph Jr., two sisters, Dorothy Secoolish and Eleanor Dolinish. His funeral will be on Friday from the Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 262 Railroad Avenue, West Scranton, at 9:15 am with a Funeral Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am in St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church, Taylor, to be celebrated by the Rev. Eduard Shestak, Pastor. Interment will follow in Cathedral Cemetery with Military Honors accorded by the NAVY and the Dickson City Veterans Honor Guard. Viewing for family and friends will be on Thursday, 4 to 7 pm, Panachyda services will be at 6:30 pm, in the funeral home.
