05/29/2026
Our sincere condolences to the family of Joseph Stivason who unexpectedly passed away on Thursday, May 28,2026.
Joseph Stivason,66, of McGrann, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, May 28,2026.
Born October 30,1959 in Kittanning, he was the son of the late Darrell and surviving Mary Ellen (Sanoba) Stivason.
Joe was a lifelong resident of the Ford City area. He was a member of St. Mary, our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Kittanning and a former member of Manor Township Firehall and Eagles. Joe loved fishing, riding motorcycles and watching all of his family participate in sports (Hockey, Football, and Cheerleading). He never missed “Friday Night Lights”. His time was always spent with his family and friends.
Joe coached football for over 20 years, JV and Varsity Special Teams (…..you know, during the successful years…….…..where they beat the rival Kittanning teams) and coached hockey with the very same result, hugging Tanner so hard when they took the Hockey championship and hugging Jesse after he played his final football game against South Park, both with tears in their eyes.
Joe created so many memories, Ford City Day at Kennywood, Ashley making him cry in front of his friends at her wedding, workdays yelling at his kid- not because he was mad, he just couldn’t hear. They all were given cherished nicknames, but not the tender kind. Joe was legendary. Whether it was getting the last haircut at Max’s Barber Shop or holding court daily at the ByLow (the new Max’s hangout which he jokingly called the “HeMan’s , woman haters club”).
“Stivy” will be sorely missed by his cherished family and good friends.
In addition to his father, Joe was preceded in death by his sister Tracy Stivason on April 5, 2026.
Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 43+ years Elizabeth “Beth” (Emminger) Stivason of McGrann; daughter Ashley (Mario) Rocco of Ford City; sons Jesse (Morgan) Stivason of Ford City and Tanner Stivason of McGrann; sisters Susan (John) Gispanski of Manorville and Angela (Dave) Fox of Ford City; grandchildren Hudson, Delaney, Oaklynn, Santino, Collins, Gino and Steel; nieces, nephews, extended family and a host of good friends.
Family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 2,2026 from 2-4 and 6-8 in the Mantini Funeral Home, Inc., 701 Sixth Avenue, Ford City.
Blessing Service will be conducted in the funeral home on Wednesday, June 3,2026 at 11 AM with Father Madhu Kodavatikanti as officiant. Burial to follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Kittanning, PA.