Joseph F. Zagorski, Beaver, died May 19, 2023 at Franciscan Manor, Patterson Twp.
Born July 22, 1933 in New Brighton, PA, the son of the late Joseph J. and Florence H. (Kroskey) Zagorski, he retired in 1996 from the Duquesne Light Company. Joe had a long and varied career, spanning 38 years, at Duquesne Light. Starting as a radiation field technician, he later became superintendent of the Shippingport Atomic Power Station, the world’s first commercially viable nuclear power plant. Joe also ran the Beaver Valley Power Station, Unit 2, ending his career as General Manager, Western Division.
Joe earned a BS in Industrial Engineering from Geneva College and MA in Industrial Relations from Saint Francis College. He earned both degrees at night school, while maintaining a full-time work schedule and raising 6 children with Dorothy, his wife of 64 years. It’s a feat his kids still marvel at today. Joe’s many excellent qualities included a strong love of family and fierce belief in patriotic and community service. He served in the US Army during the Korean War, attaining the rank of staff sergeant. He was also a former board member of several local organizations including the Duquesne Light Speakers team, Monaca-Center Lions Club, Light House for the Blind, Girl’s Hope, Beaver County Educational Trust, Beaver County Labor Management Committee, Beaver County Eye Bank, Beaver County Board of Assistance, former president of the United Way of Beaver County, former president of the Beaver Borough Council, SS Peter & Paul eucharistic minister, lector and member of the men’s choir, and former volunteer, The Medical Center, Beaver.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph J. and Florence H. (Kroskey) Zagorski; a brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Helen Zagorski, a sister and brother-in-law, Cheryl and Bob Wertz and a daughter-in-law, Lisa (Adrian) Zagorski.
Surviving are his wife Dorothy (Eckroate) Zagorski, 6 children and their spouses; Joseph M. Zagorski, South Beaver Twp., James and Rose Mary Zagorski, Center, Paula and Stephen Miller, Grove City, Keith and Liz Zagorski, Beaver, Jon and Cindy Zagorski, Beaver, Aimee and Frank Palakovich, Freedom; 11 grandchildren; Tricia (Ben) Holland, Emily (Nick) Morelli and Mike (Lydia) Zagorski, Ryan (Becca) and Chelsea Zagorski, Katie Miller, Megan Zagorski, Kayleigh and Breanna Zagorski, Jessica and Sydney Palakovich; 7 great-grandchildren; and a sister Veronica Stante, Tampa Bay, FL, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received Tuesday, May 23 at the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, PA, 15009, from 2PM to 4PM and 6PM to 8PM. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Wednesday, May 24 at 10AM, at Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Saints Peter and Paul Church, Beaver, PA. The Rev. Howard Campbell will officiate. Interment will follow with full military honors by the Beaver County Special Unit at Beaver Cemetery. Online Condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you perform an act of kindness or community service in memory of Joe.