Joseph W. Katzianer,Jr.

  Mary has shared their life story. 

On Wednesday, November 17 1954, the 4th child of Helen and Joseph Katzianer was born. His name was Joseph William Katzianer Jr. He had the 4 other siblings who shared his life: John, Irene, Robert and George. He went to Holy Name grade school, transferred to Penn Treaty middle school, and then to Mastbaum High School. When he graduated, he went to Pennco Tech and then worked for Septa for a moment. "In 1986, I met Joseph and asked him out in 1987. The same year, we were expecting our daughter Jennifer, but she did not survive her birth on 07- 03-1987. We rented an apartment from his boss Charles Murray, who hired Joseph for a job in construction in Northern Liberties. We moved in with his parents on Castor Avenue until we moved to the Kensington area on Jasper Street. We were married on March 11,1995. We honeymooned in Cape May Villas and enjoyed a visit to New Hope. We were married for almost 28 years. We never had any more children, but we were happy. Every year for the past 10 years we had a 4th of July celebration, which included having the block firework show. Our neighbors enjoyed our celebrations. Within the past 15 years we had numerous pets; Mr. Stinks. Squeaks, Angus, little Shungems and Skippy (iguana). They were our children. About 6 years ago, a stray cat came into our lives. His name is Mooch. He was Joseph's best friend in the feral cats. After Mooch there has been numerous feral cats that came into our lives. Our neighbors Charles and Miguel were his besties on the block.  All 3 were as close as brothers as well as others on the block who were treated to cakes on a daily basis. He had other friends; Harry, Ray, Dave and Kenny, who would keep him busy with scrapping, roofing or just bull shitting as good friends do. He had many, many more friends but they know who they were in his life. Joseph enjoyed hamburgers and majority of the time when we went out to eat he had to have some type of hamburger. And if hamburgers weren’t on the menu, Popeye’s spicy chicken was what we enjoyed eating. Every morning he would go to the basement and do his daily workout in his gym and listen to his favorite music. If he did not do this then I would hear about the pain he was in. He had C.O.P.D, heart problems, and he could barely see. He had eye surgery to correct a vision problem and  his sight got better. He was my backbone when I got sick in 2018 we found out I had diabetes. Without Joseph in my life, I would have died. When covid hit in had it back in 2020 the same time his brother, Robert died from cancer. He thought I was going to die. He listens for my cough. Without Joseph in my life I think I would not have made it. On 02-09-2023 like I have done for numerous years I called home no answer. I tried numerous times I even had his sister Irene to call no answer. I knock on the door no answer, so I ran to Miguel he opened the screen door and that was the day I lost the love of my life."

He is the beloved husband of Mary Sapp Katzianer. Dear brother of Irene Schneider (Butch), George Katzianer, John Katzianer (Dolly) and the late Robert Katzianer (Alice). 

Son in law of Hazel Sapp , brother-in-law of Steven ( Michelle ), Thomas (Sue), Veronica (Bob), Christopher and Tara (the late Jason).  Sadly missed by many nieces and nephews. 

Relatives and friends are invited to Gather and Celebrate Joe's life on Wednesday, February 15, 2023  beginning at 9:30 AM and join in Prayers and Words of Remembrance at 11 AM, in the McELVARR FUNERAL HOME, 1415-17 East Susquehanna Ave. Fishtown.  Joe will be laid to rest with his beloved parents at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. 

For those desiring, and in lieu of flowers, the family is respectfully requesting  memorial contributions to the S.P.C.A at the address below.

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