Joseph Andrews, a lifelong resident of Duryea and most recently of Brooks Estates in Pittston, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026, at the age of 73, surrounded by those who loved him.

Joseph lived by a simple but profound conviction: that he was among the luckiest and most blessed men in the world. It was a belief reflected in everything he did. He possessed a rare gift for finding the good in others and in every circumstance, life presented, and he moved through the world with quiet kindness, genuine gratitude, and an open and generous spirit.

He devoted 35 years to elementary education in the Pittston Area School District — a career he embraced with whole-hearted dedication. Joseph understood that teaching was far more than instruction; it was an opportunity to encourage, inspire, and shape young lives. Many of his former students carried the memory of his warmth and encouragement long after leaving his classroom.

Following his teaching career, Joseph turned his attention to another enduring passion: the art of floral design. He opened Floral Express on Main Street in Duryea, bringing creativity, beauty, and a personal touch to the community he loved for so many years. In time, he discovered yet another way to connect with people when he joined American Eagle Airlines as a customer service representative at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport. His natural warmth made him ideally suited to welcoming travelers and easing their journeys. Even after his formal tenure there, he continued to serve the airport community as a volunteer with the AVP Ambassador Program and gave generously of his time as a volunteer at Geisinger Wyoming Valley.

His commitment to faith was among the defining features of his life. Joseph was honored to serve as the founding president of the board of Saints Francis and Clare Progressive Catholic Church in Pennsylvania, helping to lay the foundation of a parish community that meant a great deal to him.

Joseph Andrews will be remembered for the warmth he extended to everyone he met, for the optimism he never surrendered, and for the quiet but lasting mark he left on students, neighbors, travelers, and friends alike. He was, in every sense he intended, a blessed man.

Joseph is survived by his brother, Michael Andrews of Duryea, and by his beloved life partner, Justin Perry of Branchburg, New Jersey, whose companionship and love were a source of profound joy in his life.

Arrangements are by the Bernard J. Piontek Funeral Home Inc., 204 Main Street, Duryea. To leave an online condolence for Joseph's family, please visit the funeral home website, www.piontekfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to Saints Francis and Clare Progressive Catholic Church, 3343 Greenwood Ave., Moosic, PA 18507.

PLEASE NOTE: YOUR ONLINE CONDOLENCE WILL NOT APPEAR UNDER THE GUESTBOOK ENTRIES UNTIL IT IS APPROVED BY THE FUNERAL HOME

Guestbook Entries

Mr. Andrews was my 6th grade teacher at Duryea Elementary School. RIP

Kenneth Martin (2 days ago)

Joe was an amazing man...kind, generous, friendly, compassionate, just a few of his personal attributes. He was like family and we will treasure all of our wonderful times together. Joe was truly a gentle soul. We have been so blessed to have known him as he has enriched our lives in so many ways. May you rest in peace.

Marion and Carmela (3 days ago)

I remember Joe coming in Weis Market I work there he's such a great person friendly you will be missed rest in peace Joe

Kim korshnak (5 days ago)

Mr. Andrews was my 5th grade teacher as well as a long time neighbor. He would always have a smile on his face. He was the best brother to Mike. I am sending my deepest condolences to his family. May you sleep in peace.

Stephanie Schmidt (5 days ago)

I knew Joe from when we were both volunteers at Geisinger Wyoming Valley. He was one of the nicest people I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. Rest in Peace, Joe.

Mary Jane Hunter (6 days ago)

Joe's legacy of displaying care, concern and compassion for others will never be forgotten. We were blessed and fortunate to have met and shared time with Joe. May he Rest & Peace while his good & positive deeds live on. Our deepest condolences...Walt & Grace Klepaski.

Walt & Grace Klepaski (6 days ago)

Justin and Michael, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart is broken hearing of Joe's passing. He was such a wonderful friend and I will miss him dearly. He had such a kindness towards everyone. It is quite rare these days and I wish the world were more like him. He was a genuinely good soul. A rare gem of a person who will be missed and loved forever. God bless. My heart goes out to you and all who love Joe. Susan Glogowski

Susan Glogowski (6 days ago)

May you now find out all the ancient Egyptian secrets that I remember us discussing when I was in grade school. You were the best. R.I.P. Mr. Andrews.

Karina Hoover (7 days ago)

I’m so sorry for the loss of such an amazing man My heart goes out to all his loved ones May he rest in peace he will be missed

Rose Altavilla (7 days ago)

You were an amazing man Joe. You will be missed

Denise Kumor (7 days ago)

So sorry to hear about Joe’s passing. We worked together many years ago at Grablick’s and ran into each other periodically.Heaven gained a great soul.

Deb Puscavage (7 days ago)

He was the best godfather anyone could ever ask for—someone who loved without limits or conditions. His kindness was constant, and his warmth made everyone around him feel safe, valued, and deeply cared for. He had a way of showing up, not just in big moments, but in the everyday ones that mattered most. His love was steady, genuine, and unwavering, leaving a lasting impact on everyone lucky enough to know him.

Kerry & Jeff Graeber (7 days ago)

Mr. Andrews was an amazing teacher and someone I truly felt respected and appreciated all of his students. His class was always a highlight of my day and I’ll never forget the lessons we learned, which were far more impactful than what we read in a textbook. Rest in peace.

John Lombardo (7 days ago)

God bless you Joe rest in peace.

Lorrie Slatky (7 days ago)

A fantastic guy who was the definition of kindness and love! Rest Easy, Joe

Christine Osborn (7 days ago)

Joe was a great person . He showed that in the classroom and in his plethora of volunteering . The World is a lesser place since his passing . God bless

Jack Sammon (7 days ago)

My condolences to Mr Andrews family and friends. He was my 5th grade teacher. When I was in his class I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. His kindness and hope got me through one of the most challenging times in my life.And I will never forget what he did for me.

Jennifer Milazzo (7 days ago)

God bless you joe rest in peace

Leo glodzik (7 days ago)

Joe, you were truly a genuinely good hearted, caring, down-to-earth, optimistic, and generous person and friend. Ed will always remember your times together volunteering at the airport, we'll cherish the memories of the group dinners you set up (aling with the conversations), and we'll always remember the countless ways you spread your loving personality amongst the world. We will forever cherish the wonderful memories of the fantastic friend that you were. Rest in peace, dear friend.

Edward Hanadel & David Gula (8 days ago)

We will miss you very much, Joe. When first joined Saints Francis and Clare, you were one of the first people we met and so warm and caring! Christine loved serving on the parish board with you. Our hearts go out to Michael and Justin. Rest in peace dear friend!

Christine and Thomas Koster (14 days ago)

We will miss you very much, Joe. When first joined Saints Francis and Clare, you were one of the first people we met and so warm and caring! Christine loved serving on the parish board with you. Our hearts go out to Michael and Justin. Rest in peace dear friend!

Christine and Thomas Koster (14 days ago)

I remember our last conversation you will be missed I will pray for you my friend

Sharon Shearer (14 days ago)

My favorite teacher in the fourth grade and lucky enough to call him my friend later in life. R.I.P Mr. Andrews

Tim Velehoski (16 days ago)

Joe was a wonderful person .. teacher .. brother…and friend… rest in peace Joe

Judy and Tom Lambert (18 days ago)

One of the best teachers and mentors that I’ve ever had the opportunity to have as a colleague. Our world is missing a guiding light.

George Cosgrove (19 days ago)

What an amazing person and what a remarkable life. I feel so lucky that I had the opportunity to be your friend.

Denise P. (20 days ago)

Carol & I will always remember the many dinner parties we spent with you and the fun we always had with you. One of our fond memories will be your laugh and the stories you always told!

Dennis & Carol Noonan (20 days ago)

Joe, thank you for being an extra grandfather to my kids and an amazing friend to all of us but most of all to my mom. This is not the way any of us wanted to say goodbye. Your memory will always be a blessing

The Charnetski Family (21 days ago)

You fought a hard battle , My Friend. I can’t believe that you didn’t win but God had a better plan for you- not to suffer longer. You will be missed by many people that were lucky enough to call you their friend. I’ll miss our get togethers and long talks. Rest in Peace, Joe.

Ann Jamieson (21 days ago)

Thank You, Joe, for everything! You are part of what is eternal about my family and me, church and choir, friends and colleagues, school and community, both Duryea and Pittston. If it were not for you, none of us would be who we are today.

Robert (21 days ago)

Life will not be the same without Joe. My heart is broken along with everyone who knew him. Rest in peace Joe. May our Lord comfort all those who loved you, especially Justin and Mike.

Patricia Pernot (22 days ago)

Sign the Guestbook

Name

Message