Joseph "Monjo" R. Para, Sr., 82, of Inkerman passed away peacefully Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at home surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Inkerman on November 19, 1940, he was a son of the late Joseph Para and Anne Marie Armalus Wenrich. He was a graduate of Jenkins High School, Class of 1959. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps prior to graduating from the Metropolitan Police Academy, Washington, D.C. and later had served at No. 6 Precinct.

Upon retirement, the family relocated from Virginia back to Inkerman and Joseph began his lifelong legacy, he developed Valley View Park, presently Valley View Estates. Joseph was an amazing carpenter!

Joseph was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church, Pittston. He was also a member of the Lithuanian Club, Inkerman and Pittston.

Joseph was active in politics and served as Jenkins Township Supervisor and on the Jenkins Township Sanitary Authority.

Joseph was married to the love of his life for 58 years, Florence Vitek Para. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed. He loved attending his granddaughters softball games and celebrating with the team and family! Joseph was very proud of all his grandchildren's accomplishments!

Joseph loved his Dallas Cowboys and looked forward to football season and watching games with his family.

In addition to his beloved wife, Florence, Joseph is survived by his children that he adored, JoLynn Para-Garrison and husband, Bill, Suwanee, Ga; Joseph Para, Jr. and wife, Melissa, Inkerman; his beloved grandchildren, Billy Garrison, Gabriella Para and Victoria Para; his siblings, Denise Bashiom, Pittsburgh; Linda Clark, Philadelphia and Robert Wenrich, Berwick; several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, April 15, 2023 in St. John the Evangelist Church 35 William Street, Pittston, to be celebrated by Fr. Joseph Elston. Interment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Carverton.

Relatives and friends may pay their respects from 9:00 AM until the time of the mass, at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Joseph Para to Care & Concern Ministries at St. John the Evangelist Church 35 William Street, Pittston, PA 18640.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Baloga Funeral Home, Inc. 1201 Main Street Pittston, (Port Griffith).