Joseph Lee DePaolis, 80, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, died
peacefully on January 17th, 2026.
He was born in Sewickley Valley Hospital on December 20th, 1945, the son of the late Leo and Joanna (Loria) DePaolis of Aliquippa. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Judy Mainos DePaolis and their four children: Jennifer (Jason) Dize, Joseph N. DePaolis, Jeffrey (Kelsey) DePaolis and Joy (John) Thomas; as well as eleven grandchildren, and his sister, Mary (John) DePaolis Lutzo.

Joseph attended DePaul Institute for the Deaf and Connelly Trade School specializing in Carpentry & Cabinet Making. Following graduation, he worked for Lucci Cabinet Company and later began his own cabinet company, Custom Built Cabinets by Joseph DePaolis, serving Beaver County residents and businesses for over 35 years. He was an outstanding athlete at DePaul Institute and also earned the highest honor awarded by the Boy Scouts of America, the Eagle Scout Award. Only 2-6% of all Scouts reach Eagle with a tiny majority being deaf. Joseph earned the Eagle Scout rank in 1962 and contributed to the history of deaf scouting in America. He was the son of a J&L Steelworker and Beaver County nurse and was exceptionally strong, both physically and emotionally. He was a gentle, kind-hearted man with boundless patience. He never met a stranger. Joseph was always willing to lend a hand and would place others before himself. Alongside his cabinet company, Joseph also provided maintenance, handiwork, and snow plowing support to whoever needed it. He also coached his kids’ youth soccer and softball teams. Upon retirement, he cared for his mother and was the best short-term caregiver for many of his grandchildren. He was a lifelong Steelers fan and long-time member of the Beaver County Deaf Bowling League. Joseph will be remembered as a loving family man who worked hard and cared for others. He instilled in his children a hard work ethic, the strength to stand up to adversity, and the importance of family.
Joseph requested that there not be any services. He will be laid to rest at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 2186 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa.