Joseph "JJ" John Mercurio Jr. of Sharon passed away unexpectedly at 5:35 p.m. Monday, June 26, 2017. He was 29.

Joseph was born November 18, 1987, in Sharon, a son of Joseph Mercurio, Sr. and Catherine Vuich. He attended 9th and 10th grade at Hickory High School, Hermitage, where he played baseball and basketball. He then played varsity basketball in 11th and 12th grade at Farrell High School, graduating in 2007.

Joseph was a sports enthusiast and enjoyed playing basketball, snowboarding, working out and watching his brother Michael, play and coach football at Slippery Rock University. His family was a large part of his life and he cherished the times they shared together.

He was a member of Cedar Avenue Church of God, Sharon, where he volunteered his time working with the youth group.

Surviving are: his mother, Catherine Vuich,  Sharon; a brother, Michael Grata, Jr., Hermitage; maternal grandmother, Gloria Vuich; his intended life partner, Faith King, Sharon; his godmother and aunt, Dr. Denise Vuich and her husband Dr. James Detelich, Clearwater Beach, FL; godfather and uncle, Keith Vukovich, Sharon; and many aunts, uncles and cousins whom he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Mercurio, Sr.; two grandfathers, "Deda" Louis Vuich; and Joseph F. Mercurio; and two grandmothers, MaryAnn Mercurio Stearns; and Geraldine Denman.

The family suggest memorial contributions be made to Joseph John Mercurio, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, C/O Community Foundation, 7 West State St., Suite 301, Sharon, PA 16146.

Calling hours will be 5 to 8 p.m. Friday ( 06/30/2017 ) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 East State St., Sharon.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday , ( 07/01/2017 ) in Cedar Avenue Church of God, 1045 Cedar Ave., Sharon, with Rev. Charles Johnson, pastor, officiating.

Interment: St. Anthony's Cemetery, Hermitage.