Joseph D. Lacina

Joseph D. Lacina, of Kingston, Passed away Wednesday, February 28,2024 at Wilkes Barre General Hospital. Born October 19,1961, in West Wyoming, Joe was the son of Pauline Szumowski Lacina, and the late George Lacina.  Joe was a graduate of Wyoming Area High School. After high School, Joe joined the United States Air Force having served four years and received an honorable discharge.  He loved recounting his military experiences from Hawaii to Alaska and everywhere in between. Those who knew Joe, know how honored he was to serve his country.   Joe met the love of his life, Elaine Drozda in 1987 while he was working construction on the Hoyt Library in Kingston, where she worked. He charmed her straight away and they were married on November 4,1989. He was a devoted and loving husband who always strived to provide her and their children with the best. Their daughter, Allison, was born in 1991, followed by their son Andrew in 1998. The love he had for his children was unparalleled. He never missed an opportunity to read to their class, coach their sports team, or just play dolls or trucks for hours on end.  Joe was a master carpenter who could build anything, including a backyard fort for Andrew. Joe loved NASCAR and Penn State Football, but more than anything, he loved his family, including his loyal pup, “Lou” whose toys Joe always eagerly received. A proud graduate of King’s College, Joe enjoyed being employed as a Quality Control Engineer by Sandvik Mining and Rock Technologies, Clarks Summit until a life-changing accident. Despite the limitations from the accident, Joe never lost his sense of humor and continued to make everyone laugh even when he was feeling the worst. Not a day went by when he wasn’t making a joke, and we will cherish all the laughs we’ve had forever. The family would like to thank all the medical professionals who helped him, especially Franceen Pernikoff, Dr. Stanley Lobitz, and his nurse Caroline. A special thanks to his hairstylist, Alisa, who never missed an opportunity to come and cut his hair. Preceding Joe in death in addition to his father was an infant daughter, Jamie, mother-in-law Stella Drozda, brother-in-law Dr. Drew Stetz, and sister-in-law Sue Lacina. Joe is survived by his wife, the former Elaine Drozda; daughter; Allison; son; Andrew; brother; Mark Lacina; brother Tom Lacina and his wife, Rene; sister; Maria VanBuskirk (Lacina) and her husband, Bernie. Joe’s family wasn’t defined by anything aside from love, so we must mention his brother-in-law Bill Dozda and his companion Betty Genitsky; sister-in-law, Carol, and her husband Victor Ruggery; along with several nieces and nephews whom he cherished. A visitation for family and friends will be held Sunday evening from 6-8 pm at Hugh P. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, Inc. 416 Wyoming Avenue, Kingston. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated Monday at 10:00 am In St. Ignatius Loyola Church, N. Maple Avenue, Kingston. Those planning attending the Mass are asked to go directly to the church. Interment will be private for family members. Memorial contributions in Joe’s name may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.  Online condolences please visit www.hughpboyleandsonfuneralhomeinc.com

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