Joseph Pappalardo

Joseph "Joe" Pappalardo, 88, of Greensburg, died peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family on Monday March 26, 2018. Joe was born on March 9, 1930 in New York, NY, to the late Luigi and Theresa (Morice) Pappalardo. He grew up in New Jersey and married his childhood sweetheart, Reba Sally Witt in 1957. He moved to southwestern Pennsylvania in 1968 as Director of Operations for "Winky's Hamburgers". In 1975, a entrepreneur and visionary, he along with his wife Sally, took an abandoned building, renovated and converted the building to what is known today as the "Back Porch Restaurant" in Lower Speers. In 1991 he opened the Speer Street Grill, also in Lower Speers followed by Two Fine Caterers in Upper Speers in 2004. Those businesses still thrive today under the ownership and management of his children; Joe, Patty, Jamie, Michelle and longtime family friend David Mendicino. Joe was the guiding force behind the family businesses and mentored countless young people by teaching core values and leadership skills. He was active in the community having belonged to the Charleroi Rotary Club, Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, the National Guard, and hosted numerous events at the restaurant. Joe is survived by his children; Joseph Jr. (Jan Kienzle) of Greensburg, Patty (Gregory) Keller of Greensburg, Daniel (Susan Bellin) Pappalardo of Los Angeles, CA; Jamie (Bob) Spadafore of Greensburg, Michelle (Chris) Jones of Peters Twp.; six grandchildren; Adam and Shelby Pappalardo, Rob and Sarah Spadafore, and Josh and Alyson Jones. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his loving wife Sally and his son Timothy. Friends will be received on Thursday from 1 to 3 pm and from 5 pm to 8 pm in the Dalfonso-Billick Funeral Home Inc. and Cremation Services, 441 Reed Avenue, Monessen. He will be laid to rest following a private family service in South Buxton, ME. The family would like to thank dad's care givers for their wonderful care; niece Kathy Guillereault, Barbara Clougherty, and Tina Edwards. The family suggest memorial contributions be made to Dementia/Alzheimer's Association (alz.org), 100 Liberty Ave. Suite E 201 Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Condolences accepted for the family at www.dalfonso-billick.com.