Joseph L. Sabljak

Joseph L. Sabljak, 94, of Herminie, passed away peacefully on Monday , July 21, 2025, in Newhaven Court at Lindwood, surrounded by his family . He was born March 15, 1931 in Herminie, son of the late Louis and Catherine (Kranitz) Sabljak and his stepfather, Battista Audisio. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife , Grace G. “ Boots” (Gabonay) Sabljak in 2018; a sister, Catherine Mitchell and two nephews, Carl Mitchell and Kurt Minichiello.

Joe was an Army veteran of the Korean War who served in company “A”-7th. Medium Tank Battalion. He was a life member of the Herminie VFW Post 8427. After his retirement from Precise Metals and Plastics as a purchasing agent, he and Boots worked as caterers for Madison Foodarama.

Joe he was a member of St. Edward Church in Herminie, where he served as an usher and participated in the Holy Name Society, the Altar Rosary Society , and Sunshine Club. He was also an avid bowler and a member of the Pro Bowler Association. Joe was a proud life member of the Herminie Volunteer Fire Department Station 15, where he especially enjoyed working at the weekly bingo games. He loved taking family trips to Myrtle Beach, Disney World, and a cruise to Mexico. But most of all, he loved his grandchildren and attending there are many activities from baseball, soccer and basketball, whether in Herminie or League City, Texas.

Joe is survived by his daughter, Shelly (Kraig) Keith, of Texas; a son, Joseph (Karen) Sabljak, of Herminie; his niece , Beth ( Pat Bollinger) Mitchell; five special grandsons, Aaron (Valerie) Keith, Brandon (Kaitlyn) Keith, Luke and Ben Sabljak and Camron (Katie) Keith; eight special great-grandchildren, Cayden ,Reagan , Grainger, Dalton, Harper, Hudson, Willow and Jasper; numerous nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and great-nephews. His love for family and friends will forever be remembered. A special sincere thank you to the wonderful staff at Newhaven Court and Penn Hospice for all their love and compassionate care.

Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 27, 2025 at the JOSEPH W. NICKELS FUNERAL HOME INC., Herminie, 724-446-7251. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday July 28, 2025 in St. Edward Church in Herminie with Rev. David J. Nazimek as celebrant. Interment with four military honors , will follow in Westmoreland County Memorial Park, Hempfield Township.

Fireman services will be held Sunday evening at 7 PM in the funeral home.

VFW Post 8427 will meet Sunday evening at 7:30 PM in the funeral home for services.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Herminie Volunteer Fire Department, Station 15, 101 Sewickley Ave., Herminie, PA 15637 in memory of Joe.