Joe was born in Hazleton, PA to the late Joseph and Grace (Ruffel) Pluta. Joe was a graduate of West Hazleton High School. He was a proud Army Veteran who served from 1958 to 1960 in the full-time service, and then served as a reservist for an additional four years. He was stationed in Germany for one year. Joe managed Allen’s Shoes in Newton for several years. Then he was the owner/operator of the shoe department in Tompkins Dry Goods in Middletown, NY from 1964 until 1980. He then owned and operated Fashion Shoes in Easton, PA for five years. Joe then went on to work for Hendershots Drug Store in Newton. Afterwards, he worked for the Newton Board of Education as a bus driver for ten years as well as other part-time bus driving positions for some local companies before finally deciding to retire at the age of 80. Joe was a member of the Post 86 American Legion, Newton, where he once served as Post Commander. He was also a member of the Newton Lions Club.
Joe cherished being with his grandchildren and he also loved being with family and friends whenever possible. He liked shooting pool, detailing his cars, and enjoyed his campground experiences at Old McDonald Campground, Wurtsboro. Joe also liked spending time with all the family pets.
Joseph was the beloved husband of 64 years to Isabel (Losey) Pluta, who survives him. Joseph is also survived by his children, Lisa Kuhn and her husband George, and Joseph Michael Pluta and his wife Barbara; his grandchildren, Christopher Kuhn and his wife, Erica, Brenton Kuhn, and Jessica Pluta, as well as his sisters Margie Feola, Rita Fellin and Lorraine Pluta. Along with his parents, his brother Michael Pluta predeceased Joseph.
A visitation will be held on Monday, November 22, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High Street, Newton, NJ. A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. with interment to follow at Yellow Frame Church Cemetery in Fredon Township.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl, Memphis, TN 38105 or Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 99 Sparta Ave, Newton, NJ 07860. Condolences can be offered online at www.smithmccrackenfuneralhome.com
