Mass of Christian burial will be Monday for Joseph P. Trotta, Hermitage, who passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015, at his residence. He was 88. Joe was born July 23, 1926, in Brackenridge, Pa., a son of Antonio and Catherine Agresti Trotta. He graduated from Farrell High School in 1944 and later worked for the former Sharon Steel Corp.'s Farrell plant for 30 years. Following his employment at Sharon Steel, he worked for the city of Hermitage for 10 years. In his later years, he was a familiar face at Cottage Gardens, Hermitage, where he also worked and was a friend to many. Joe was a charter member and usher at Church of Notre Dame, Hermitage; and Sharon Knights of Columbus Council 684. As a volunteer, he gave countless hours to what was then Kennedy Christian Boosters Association and, more currently, the Meals on Wheels program at Christ Lutheran Church, where he gave 21 years of service. Joe was proud to have been honored by the Mercer County Board of Election with more than 50 years of voting without missing an election. He was a member of Hermitage Volunteer Fire Department. A decorated Navy veteran of World War II, he served as a seaman second class, from 1944 to 1946, as a fire crew leader. Joe will be remembered for his love of gardening. His garden was his pride and joy and second to none. His wife, the former Philomena Delre, whom he married July 24, 1948, passed away Nov. 25, 1991. He leaves his son, Joseph P. Trotta and his wife Julie, Reno, Nev.; two sisters, Anna Mezei, Hermitage; and Frances Trotta, Farrell; 13 nieces and nephews; and his Cottage Garden family. In addition to his wife and his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Theresa Grande; and two brothers, Nickolas and Samuel Trotta. Memorial contributions may be made in Joe's memory to his favorite charity, Meals on Wheels, 396 Buhl Blvd., Sharon, PA 16146. Calling hours: 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday (2-22-15) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORY Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Service: Mass of Christian burial at 11:30 a.m. Monday (2-23-15) in Church of Notre Dame, 2325 Highland Road, Hermitage, with the Rev. Edward J. Zeitler, senior associate, as celebrant. Military honors will be provided following the Mass by West Middlesex Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6233, Wheatland American Legion Post 432, and Farrell VFW 5286 honor guard. Interment: St. Rose Cemetery, Hermitage.