Joseph J. "Curly" Wilds

Joseph J. “Curly” Wilds, 94, of Parks Township, passed away on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, in his residence.

A son of the late Fred O. Wilds and Lillian (Waltenbaugh) Wilds, he was born May 4, 1929.

For over 30 years, Curly had been a coal miner with the Leechburg Mining Company until his retirement in 1984.  He was a member of the United Mine Workers’ of America (U.M.W.A.) for over 70 years.  He was also a member of the First Baptist Church of Leechburg and the Parks Township Sportsman’s Club.  Curly enjoyed working on his farm, helping others, and his time spent with family and friends.

Survivors include his son, Robert Craig “Bob” Wilds (Sherrill) of Parks Township; grandsons, Bill and Jason; a brother, Fred D. Wilds (Jane) of Bethel Township; multiple great-grandchildren, step-grandchildren, foster grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Geraldine “Jerry” Alta (Klingensmith) Wilds in 2020; a son, Joseph Dean Wilds; a grandson, Joey; brothers, John and Paul Wilds; and a sister, Irene Kunkle.

Friends will be welcomed by his family on Monday, August 14, 2023 from 10 a.m. until the time of funeral ceremonies beginning at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, 111 Siberian Ave., Leechburg, with Pastor Jonathan Potter officiating.  Interment will be privately held at Greenwood Memorial Park in Lower Burrell.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the Clawson Funeral & Cremation Center, 170 Main St., Leechburg, 724-842-1051.  In lieu of flowers, his family suggests donations in Curly’s name may be made to the First Baptist Church.  Condolences to the Wilds family may be offered at www.clawsonfuneralhome.com.

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