JOSEPH JAMES HORGAS

HORGAS
JOSEPH JAMES

Joseph James Horgas, 97, of State College, Pennsylvania, died August 6, 2026. Born on February 14, 1929, in Clairton, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Joseph and Susan A. (Filakousky) Horgos.


Joseph grew up in Clairton alongside his siblings Josephine, Irene, Robert, and Francis, all of whom preceded him in death. After graduating from Clairton High School in 1947, he served for several years in the U.S. Army in Germany during the Korean War era. Upon returning home, he attended Penn State University before leaving to begin working and supporting his young and growing family.


In 1954, Joseph married Patty J. (Hoover) Horgas, with whom he shared 58 years of marriage until her death in 2012. They raised five children together, and Joseph worked in civil engineering for several firms throughout the Pittsburgh region.


For most of his adult life, Joseph lived in Baldwin, Pennsylvania, before relocating to State College in 2010 to be closer to family. He remained independent until the end. He was devoted to order and organization—forever sorting, downsizing, and keeping things precisely in their place. He was also known for his pressed button‑down shirts and shined shoes, even for everyday errands.


A lifelong Penn State football fan, Joseph followed the team closely for decades, and losses were reliably met with a sour mood. Both Joe and his wife Pat were proud that all five of their children attended Penn State for their undergraduate degrees, with most later earning advanced degrees.


Joseph is survived by J. Mark Horgas (Amy) of State College; Ann L. Horgas (Michael Marsiske) of Gainesville, Florida; Patti J. Horgas of Fairfax, Virginia; and Jay M. Horgas (Raeann) of State College. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Brendan and Stefan; Josef and Petr; Lucas; Evan and Julian; and Marek and Anne. He was predeceased by his son Thomas J. Horgas in 2014.


Joseph's primary caregivers during his last year were his son, Jay Horgas, his wife and children. Along with the rest of the family, they want to express their sincere gratitude to the outstanding visiting hospice nurses, Ellen and her "Girls' Day" team, for their compassion, expertise, and commitment to Joseph's comfort and dignity throughout his last months.


Services will be private.