Joseph John Licastro

Joseph John Licastro, 86, Johnstown, passed into eternal life on January 8, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born March 19, 1938, in Johnstown, the son of the late Joseph and Grazia (Squillace) Licastro.

Preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Mary Jane Licastro, and brother Pasquale Licastro. Survived by loving children and grandchildren,son Peter (Laureen) Licastro of Sewickley;  daughter Maria (James) Leiden of Johnstown; grandson David Leiden; granddaughter Nicole Leiden; his brother, Ralph Licastro (Laura Reidy) of State College; and nieces and nephews.

Joe was a member of the Class of 1955, Ebensburg Cambria High School, and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics from St. Francis University in Loretto. He was employed by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, prior to joining Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) Local Union 910 in 1964, where he was a proud member for 61 years and held several offices, retiring as President in 2001.

He was appointed as a LIUNA International Representative in 1966, advancing to the roles of Assistant Regional Manager, Regional Manager of Pennsylvania and Delaware, and Vice President and Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager until his retirement.  Joe was nominated to the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board by Governor Shafer in 1968, confirmed by the Senate, and served until 1984. He held numerous positions over four decades, including Vice President and Executive Committee Member of the Pennsylvania AFL- CIO; Executive Board Member of the Pennsylvania Building and Construction Trades Council; Chairperson of the Mid-Atlantic Laborers’ - Employers’ Cooperation and Education Trust; Member of the Governor’s Occupational Safety and Health Conference Advisory Committee; Member of the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Advisory Board; Member of the Federal Judicial Nominating Commission for the Middle District of Pennsylvania; Member of the President’s Cabinet, St. Francis University; and Advisory Committee Member – Pennsylvania State University, Department of Labor Studies and Industrial Relations.

Joe was a strong, dedicated labor leader, known for his articulate and gentlemanly demeanor. He was respected by his peers, and the union members that he represented, for his honesty and integrity. Joe was a devoted and generous son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He loved nature and the outdoors, and traveling to Corvette shows throughout the country with his family. Although he will be deeply missed, Joe will be remembered for his big heart, resilience, and likeability.

The family is grateful to Elaine, Emma, Tammy, Dr. Leonardo Amper, and the teams at Heritage Ridge, Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, and Johns Hopkins Hospital for their kindness, compassion, and expertise.

Friends and family will be received  from 5-8 PM Friday January 10, 2025 at Frank Duca Funeral Home, Westmont Chapel. 1622 Menoher Blvd . Johnstown PA 15905. 

Fr. Mark Begly will celebrate a Mass of Christian burial at 10 AM Saturday at Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church.

Interment will be held at St. Anthony Cemetery in Geistown.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church, 415 Tioga Street. in memory of Joseph J. Licastro.

Condolences and other information found at www.ducafuneralhome.com.

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