Joseph Rushen, 81, formerly of Carbondale, passed away peacefully on Sunday April 28th at the Gino J. Merli Veterans' Center, Scranton.

Born in Simpson, he was the son of the late Joseph and Anna Pepson Rushen.  He was a member of Saint Rose of Lima Church, and a graduate of Benjamin Franklin High School, both of Carbondale; he was also a graduate of Patterson University.  Joe served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

Prior to his retirement was employed as a postal worker in Passaic, NJ for over thirty years.  When living in Passaic, he was a very active member of the Knights of Columbus.

Joe had a strong passion for marathon running events for many years; he participated in the Boston, New York, Washington D.C., and Scranton marathons many times.

The family offers special thanks to the nurses and staff of 3rd Floor South at Gino Merli and to the Hospice of the Sacred Heart for the wonderful care they provided for Joe; a special thanks to Marty and Kathy from the Path Program at Hospice.

Surviving are his sisters: Catherine (John) Uram; Diane (John) Adams; a brother: Richard (Susan) Rushen; a brother-in-law: Gerald D’Amelio; 11 nieces and nephews;  and 18 great nieces and great nephews.

He was also preceded in death by a sister: Gayle D’Amelio.

The funeral will be Friday May 3rd with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am in Saint Rose of Lima Church, 6  N. Church Street, Carbondale. Interment will follow in Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Finch Hill. Friends may call Friday at the church from 9:00 am until mass time. Arrangements by the Brennan and Brennan Funeral Home, Inc., 55 Lincoln Ave. Carbondale.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 100 William Street, Dunmore, PA. 18510