Joseph Grant McCloskey

Joseph Grant McCloskey, 89, of Chicora, Oakland Twp., a retired director of Butler County Children and Youth Services, passed away peacefully at home in the company of his family early Saturday morning, November 1, 2025.

Joseph was born in Petrolia on April 24, 1936.  He was the son of the late Grant and Helen Schneider McCloskey

He was a 1956 graduate of Fairview Twp. Karns City High School.  Joseph was a long time member of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in the Village of North Oakland and also attended St. Michael The Archangel Roman Catholic Church in Emlenton.  He served in the U.S. Army’s 42nd Armored Division during the Vietnam Era.  He graduated from Duquesne University with a Master of Social Work and from Clarion University with minors in English and History.  Joe had a 40 year distinguished career with Butler County Children and Youth Services and retired as the director.  Joe enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting, woodworking, and relaxing at his camp near Emlenton.  He was a long time scout master for Troup #38 in Oakland Twp., Butler County.

Joseph is survived by his wife, Evelyn M. Shultz McCloskey, whom he married at St. Michael The Archangel Roman Catholic Church in Emlenton on August 20, 1960.  They recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.  Also surviving are two children, Helen Frances Bellucci of Hermitage and Michael J. McCloskey and his wife, Tina M., of Chicora; five grandchildren, Michelle Bellucci, Marc Bellucci, Matthew Bellucci, Madelyn McCloskey and Alex Scarborough; a sister, Ruth Ann Fleeger and her husband, David, of Karns City, as well as a number of brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sons, Matthew G. and Robert T. McCloskey; two brothers, Robert and Thomas McCloskey, as well as a number of brothers-in-law.

Friends will be received at the Hile Funeral Home of Chicora, 339 Chicora Fenelton Rd., Chicora, from 4-7 p.m. Friday.  A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Michael The Archangel Roman Catholic Church, 807 Chestnut St., Emlenton, with the Rev. David Foradori, church pastor, officiating.  Interment with military honors will be at St. Michael Cemetery, Emlenton.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Center at www.stjude.org.  Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.

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