Joseph E. Zilla, Sr., age 90, of Uniontown, PA., passed away, Saturday, December 1, 2012 at the Uniontown Hospital. He was born in Springdale, PA. on April 7, 1922, son of the late Andrew J. and Pauline (Grossman) Zilla. Joseph was the seventh of their eight children.

A graduate of Springdale High School in 1940 he excelled in sports. Joseph served as a radioman in the U.S. Naval Air Corps in WWII, and afterward attended Grove City College. He began working at the West Penn Power plant in Springdale in 1948, transferring to the Hatfield Power Station in 1969 as Shift Supervisor of Operations, retiring from that position in 1985.

Joseph was an honorary life member of the Springdale Volunteer Fire Department, where he once served as secretary. He was a member of Fort Mason Post #423 of the American Legion. Originally a member of St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church, in Springdale, PA., Joseph has been a member of St. Mary (Nativity) Roman Catholic Church since relocating to Uniontown in 1970.

He was a gentle, humble man who loved and dedicated himself to his family. He was blessed with many technical skills and enjoyed carpentry, mechanics, gardening, and aviation. A leader by example, "The Chief" was well respected and admired by his co-workers, who he always treated with kindness and concern for their well being as well as their safety.

Joseph is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Helen B. (Zywan) Zilla; his children, Joseph E. Zilla, Jr. and wife Lori of McMurray, PA., Dennis A. Zilla, and wife Debra of New Castle, PA., Susan Lucas and husband Lynn, of Connellsville, PA., and Thomas P. Zilla and wife Denise of Hollidaysburg, PA.; Grandchildren, Andrew Zilla, Steven Lucas, Laura Lucas, Amy Lucas, and Jordan Zilla; Siblings Andrew C. Zilla and Helen Strama and husband John; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Joseph was preceded in death by siblings, John Zilla, Paul Zilla, Anna Zilla, Pauline Bossola, and Amelia Susa.

Friends will be received at the Stephen R. Haky Funeral Home, Inc., 603 N. Gallatin Ave., Ext., Uniontown, PA, on Tuesday, December 4, 2012 from 2-8 PM, and on Wednesday, December 5 until 9:30AM when Prayers of Transfer will be said.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary (Nativity) Roman Catholic Church, Uniontown, PA., at 10:00 AM on with Rev. Fr. Stephen R. Bugay as Celebrant.

Interment will be held in Lakewood Memorial Gardens, Cheswick, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mary (Nativity) Roman Catholic Church, of Uniontown, or another charity of choice.