Joseph L. Hassan, Sharon, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes Friday morning (12-16-11) in the emergency room of Sharon Regional Health System. He was 57.

Mr. Hassan was born January 31, 1954 in Sharon a son of the late Joseph F. and Ella Mae Hefty Hassan.

He was a lifelong area resident and a 1971 graduate of West Middlesex High School.

Joe retired as an inspector from the former Wheatland Tube Co. where he was employed for more than 30 years.

An outdoorsman he enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and going to camp in the Allegheny National Forest. He was also a former ham radio operator and a fan of the Green Bay Packers. Joe was fond of animals, particularly his cats.

Surviving are: his wife at home, the former Cheryl A. Kaletka, whom he married May 5, 1973; a daughter, Stephanie M. Hunyadi and her husband Tony, Sharon; a son, Joseph L. Hassan and his wife Erin, Sharpsville; a special niece, whom he considered a daughter, Kerri Hartman and her husband Dan, Pittsburgh; five grandchildren, whom he loved dearly, Joseph D. Hassan; Sullivan A. Hunyadi; and Brandon D., Landon J. and Lacey S. Hartman; several nieces and nephews; and his '151 friends.'

Besides his parents, Joe was preceded in death by an aunt, Dorothy 'Dot' Hassan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family who are establishing a fund for his grandchildren.

Calling hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday (12-19-11) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.

Friends may email condolences by visiting www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.

There are no services.