Joseph A. Hoban

We mourn the passing of Joseph A  Hoban, 58, of Scranton who passed unexpectedly on September 24, 2023. He is survived by his heartbroken wife Linda Hoban with whom he had just celebrated 23 years of marriage.

Joe graduated from Scranton Central High School and the Luzerne County Community College, where he attained Paramedic II (2) certification. He began his career at the Scranton Fire Department in 1989 and rose through the ranks to become a Rescue One Lieutenant until his promotion to the position of Fire Inspector in 2020. He excelled at all that he did, and felt especially proud of his work as an Arson Investigator.

Throughout the years Joe furthered his education at the Bucks County Community College of Public Safety, the National Fire Academy, and the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy. He held multiple professional qualifications in all areas of firefighting, rescue, fire investigation and inspections, arson investigation, building collapse, scientific method of fire and explosives, and countless more. He was a certified Instructor in many of those disciplines.

Joe held professional memberships in the IAFF Local 60 Firefighters Union, the IAAI International Association of Arson Investigators, and the PAAI Pennsylvania Association of Arson Investigators.

Above all else, Joe was dedicated to his family. He enjoyed attending concerts and comedy shows with his wife, their many family vacations and short trips, and their annual camping trip to Maine.  He was proud of their accomplishments and felt truly blessed to have a job and a family which both brought happiness and contentment to his life. His children were his pride and joy. He also had countless friends who he treasured, and looked forward to hunting with Steve in Potter County, fishing with Marty, and riding his motorcycle with Mark. His caring also extended to the two family dogs, who were adopted into his loving home. He was beloved by so many and everyone he met was a friend. He had so much more life to live and was taken much too soon.

He was a member of Waverly Lodge #301 F.& A. Masons and a 32nd degree mason in the Scottish Rite.

In addition to the SFD, Joe had also worked as a Paramedic on Mobile 3, Cottage Hose Ambulance, Community Life Support, and as an Emergency Department Paramedic at Community Medical Center.

Joe was proud to have earned the Scranton Fire Department's Medal of Valor for his lifesaving work in pulling a man from a fire then providing EMS care to that patient. As a final act of love after a lifetime of service, Joe was an organ donor and even in death continues to help others.

In addition to his wife, his loss has devastated his children Daniel and Hollis, siblings Michael (Mari), Timothy, Kathleen, and Kelly Keen (Bob), aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents Robert and Nancy Hoban of Scranton.

Friends and family may pay their respects on Saturday, Sept. 30 at the Clarks Summit United Methodist Church, 1310 Morgan Highway, Clarks Summit, PA. Visitation begins at 2 o'clock with a Masonic Service at 5 o'clock. This will be immediately followed with a service by the Scranton Fire Department and their Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Burn Prevention Network, 6081 Hamilton Blvd Suite 600-628, Allentown, PA 18106-3107.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 418 South State Street, Clarks Summit.