Joseph Leo Mollica, 91, of Clearfield died Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012 at Colonial Courtyard in Clearfield. Born Nov. 5, 1921, he was the son of Calogero John and Josephine (Ortasic) Mollica.
He first worked for Harbison-Walker Refractories in Clearfield and then for General Motors Corp. in Buffalo, NY. Afterward he owned and operated Joe’s One Hour Cleaners in Clearfield, retiring after 32 years of service.
He was a member of the St. Francis Roman Catholic Church in Clearfield.
In addition, he was a member of the Clearfield Sons of Italy; the Clearfield Kiwanis Club for 43 years, where he ran the fair booth (fried dough) and was in charge of the spaghetti dinner; and the treats for the Halloween parade; the DuBois American Legion; the Old Town and the Mosquito Creek Sportsmen’s Clubs; and the Olympic Club in DuBois,.
He was a fourth-degree Knight of the Clearfield Knights of Columbus Council 409 and was the cook at the Moss Barn Lodge for 40 years. He loved gardening and cooking.
On Nov. 22, 1956 in Clearfield, he wed the former Avanelle Marie Duttry, who preceded him in death Oct. 20, 2008. He was also preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother, Anthony; brothers, Samuel and Phillip Mollica; and sisters, Rose Marara and Marion “Tillie” Mollica. He was the last member of his generation.
Surviving are a daughter and three sons, Linda L. Brown and her husband, Robert of Mansfield, OH; Terrance J. Harzinski and his wife, Peggy of Bismark, ND; Michael F. Harzinski and his wife, Shelby of Williamsport; and Joseph L. Mollica II and his partner, George Flannery of Burnsville, MN. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and one great great-granddaughter.
Funeral services for Mr. Mollica will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday at the Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home Inc. of Clearfield, with Msgr H. Desmond McGee Jr. officiating. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery, Clearfield.
Friends will be received from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. Thursday and from 10 a.m. until the time of services Friday at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.chidboyfuneralhome.com.
The Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home Inc. of Clearfield is in charge of the arrangements.
