Joseph P. Chowanes

Joseph P. (Scooter) Chowanes, 87, of Shenandoah, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2022 with his family by his side.

He was born in Shenandoah on July 23rd, 1934, son of the late Joseph and Anna (Macieunas) Chowanes.

He attended St. George's Parochial Grade School and went to J.W. Cooper High School graduating in 1952. He started working at Purolator Products in Pattersonville, Pa. In 1955, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Security Agency as a Radio Intercept Operator during the Cold War in Germany. While in Germany, he took a leave and went to Rome, Italy. While there, he attended Mass on Christmas Day at St. Peter's Basilica. The next day while touring St. Peter's Basilica, he was in the general audience and had the privilege of attending a Mass said by Pope Pius XII, which was a great experience for him.

 After returning home, he began working again at Purolator Products and was employed there for 32 years until they closed. While at Purolator Products, he was elected Pennsylvania State Constable and served for 20 years. He was a life member of Fraternal Order of Police North Schuylkill Lodge #25. He was a member of the Shenandoah Auxiliary Police Department until they dissolved. After working at Purolator Products, he went to work at the Pennsylvania State Correctional Institute in Frackville, Pa. as a State Corrections Officer until he retired.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family, especially picking mushrooms with his dad. He loved going on trips with his children. He loved fishing in Canada, Lake Oneida, N.Y., Fishing Creek, and the Pumpy. He was a member of the South End Field & Stream Association Whippoorwill Dam in Frackville. Joe was Post Commander twice and Service Officer of Anthony P. Damato Medal of Honor American Legion Post #792. He was a life member, Post Commander twice, and Treasurer and Adjutant of Walter H. Wardigo Amvets Post Pa #07. He was a life member, Post Commander twice, and Adjutant of Shenandoah Catholic War Veterans Post #1107, which was formerly Saint George's Catholic War Veterans. Joe was a member of Saint George's Lithuanian Catholic Church and a member of Knights of Lithuania in Frackville. He was proud of his Lithuanian heritage. When Saint George's Church was demolished, he joined Divine Mercy Catholic Church. After a few years, he joined Saint Michael's Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church where his father and paternal grandfather were members.

He leaves behind his wife, RoseAnn (Walukiewicz), which he would have celebrated 60 years of marriage in May. He leaves behind 3 children, daughter, JoAnn and her husband, Wayne Davidson of Hummelstown, Pa., daughter, Diane Chowanes of Lansdale, Pa., and his son, Joseph J. and his wife, Jill of Lake Wynonah, Auburn, Pa. He also leaves behind his 2 grandchildren, Ashley Davidson and her husband, Todd Hughes of Alexandria, Va., and Christopher Davidson of Encino, Ca., as well as his sister, Anna Marie Babinsky of Mahanoy City, Pa., and his brother, Edward and wife, Diane Chowanes of Shenandoah, Pa. Also, many nephews, nieces, cousins, his friends at Burger King, and his dog, Daisy.

A visitation for family and friends will take place on Tuesday, February 8th from 8 to 9:30am at the Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc, 40 N. Jardin St, Shenandoah. Liturgy will be held at 10am in St. Michael’s Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, 114 S. Chestnut St, Shenandoah and will be officiated by Msgr. Myron Grabowky.  Burial will follow in the Our Lady of Dawn Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to pawoundedwarriors.org or Mater Dei Catholic School, 493 East Main Street, Lansdale, PA 19446 would be appreciated. 

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