Joseph "Jo Jo" Peel, 78, of Mahanoy City, PA, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, September 2nd, after a long battle with Myelodysplastic syndrome, a type of blood cancer.

Joseph was born on April 14, 1947, the eldest son of the late Joseph G. Peel and Violet (Navakas) Peel. Joe was a member of Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish.

He was a graduate of Mahanoy Area High School. After high school, Joe was drafted and served in the Vietnam War as an SP4.

After returning home from the war, Joe embarked upon opening a tavern called "The Rusty Nail" - a well known local bar, restaurant, and lodging place in the early 70s - where many shared in Joe's great home cooking, like a good steak, and created fun memories. Later, Joe would continue to work in construction and other trades.

Throughout life, Joe was an avid hunter, fisherman, and all-around outdoorsman, enjoying many a ride through the valley with his brothers and friends. Joe also loved lifting weights and staying fit.

Most important to Joe - fondly known as "Pop Pop" - was his immeasurable love for his grandchildren Aubrey and Kymber Peel, who brought so much joy and love to his heart.

Joseph is survived by two sons, Solomon Peel, his wife, Katie Downey-Peel, of Mahanoy City; Bruce Boxer, and his fiancée, Tanya Moses, of Shenandoah; a step daughter, Heather, and her fiancé, Frank Sytnik jr. Kintz, of Tamaqua; a sister, Barbara Peel-Yeager of Pottsville; two brothers Robert, and his wife, Mary-Ellen, of Locust Valley; Edward, and his wife Sandra, of Zion Grove; beloved nieces and nephews; and his favorite sidekick, Tony Cominsky.

He is preceded in death by a nephew, Dustin Peel, and his late-wife, Rita Cavanaugh.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Mahanoy City, PA, at 10AM on Wednesday, September 10th, with Rev. Kevin P. Gallagher officiating.

Friends and family may call Tuesday from 6 - 8PM and Wednesday at 9AM at Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory Inc.

Internment at St. Joseph Cemetery, Mahanoy City, PA.