Joe Papalia, 74 of Warren, PA, died on Saturday October 31, 2026, in his home after an extended illness, with his loved ones by his side.

He was born on June 1, 1952, in Warren, PA, the son of the late Orlando and Betty Robbins Papalia. He was a 1970 graduate of The Warren Area High School. Joe was employed with the Warren City Police Department for over 30 years. He was of the Catholic faith and a member of St. Joseph R.C. Church, in Warren, where he served as an usher.

Joe was a passionate woodworker and carpenter who also enjoyed golfing, hunting, and spending time outdoors. He had a special fondness for Snoopy and Charlie Brown and loved singing and playing his guitar on the back porch, surrounded by family and friends. He especially cherished reading The Night Before Christmas to his grandchildren, reciting every word by heart and making it a treasured holiday tradition. Above all else, Joe cherished the time he spent with the people he loved, making memories and sharing laughter with family and friends.

On July 1, 2005, in Warren, he married the former Judy Repine, and they spent 23 loving years together.

In addition to his loving wife, Judy , Joe is survived by his loving daughter, Jo Anne Smith and husband, Stephen, of DuBois, PA; two stepdaughters, Ronda Darling and husband, Patrick of Youngsville, PA, Gina Gantz and fiancé, Shannan Sullivan, of Sugar Grove; grandchildren, Katelyn, Addison, Teagan, and Grayson Smith, all of DuBois, PA; Gwendolyn Darling, of Warren, PA; Olivia Darling, of Youngsville; Shea Walton of Youngsville, and Brennan Sullivan of Sugar Grove; one newborn great-grandson; sister in law, Jean Lorenz and husband, Dave; and numerous extended family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his stepdaughter, Tammy Gantz Rowles; siblings, Veronica Rogers, and Deborah Gorton; brother-in-law, Jay Michael Gorton.

A Memorial Mass will be announced and held at a later date at St. Joseph R.C. Church. The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc., has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com., or on the funeral home Facebook page. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through PAWS Along the River, 212 Elm St. Warren, PA 16365 OR St. Joseph R.C. Church, 600 PA Ave W. Warren, PA 16365.