Joseph (Joe) Diggins
Joseph (Joe) Diggins, age 75, of Moon Twp., returned to his Lord and Savior on January 17, 2021. His cause of death will officially be recorded as Covid but those who know him well know that a broken heart was the true cause. Joe longed to be reunited with his wife, Joanna, of 100 years (as Joe would tell anyone, “50 years for her and 50 for me”).
Joe was a loving, caring grandfather who always cherished his time with his 13 grandchildren. He particularly enjoyed organizing elaborate water balloon battles in his backyard every summer as well as passing on his love for wood working or jewelry making by planning projects for them. He was the father of 6 children as he would say, “three by birth and three through marriage.” Embarrassingly, he would brag even to complete strangers how proud he was of them. Most significantly, he was a devoted husband who cherished completely his Joanna. Always holding the door for her, coming up with elaborate gifts, never leaving her side and making her laugh were only a fraction of what he did for her during their marriage.
Joe was born in Philadelphia, on July 5, 1945, the son of the late Joseph and Ann (Schmidt) Diggins. Joe is survived by three children, Joseph Diggins (Hope), Sewickley; Brian Diggins (Amy), Moon Twp.; Tricia Flagg (Jon), Wexford; thirteen grandchildren, Reilly, Pierce, Alexandra, Tyler, Ethan, Reagan, Lucie, Avery, Cameron, Jiovanni, Xzavion, AJ, and Ah’mir; three brothers David Diggins, Paul Diggins, and Kevin Diggins; and two sisters Joanne Palmer and Geri Morrison.
A private ceremony for family and close friends will be held in the HUNTSMAN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, of Moon Twp., (1522 Coraopolis Hts. Rd.). Private interment will take place at Sewickley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: The People Helper’s Ministry of St. Stephen’s Church (405 Fredrick Ave. Sewickley, PA 15143).
13 thoughts on “Joseph (Joe) Diggins”
Joe will be dearly missed by all his friends at Williamson trade school. I personally wish I’d had the chance to drive him around to visit some of his classmates. Steve nash
Joe was a great boss and wonderful friend. Joe displayed the true “Servant Leader” attitude in his work, one time driving 3 hours on a Sunday afternoon to work the night shift, because we were so short staffed, and “reinforcements” couldn’t arrive until the next day. He and Joanna had us “younger guys” in for dinners on holidays to ease the pain of being away from home on major holidays when the work load would not allow us to travel any distance from our base of work. Joe LOVED his wife and children (and later their spouses) and the grandkids and talked proudly of them all regularly. I will miss Joe greatly, though I am sure it will pale in comparison to what his family will feel.
Joe and Joanna invited me to their home for Christmas so that I wouldn’t be by myself. On numerous occasions, Joe gave me great counsel on work and life in general. He always made time to listen to the people that worked for him. I miss him.
I met Joe when I joined Foster Wheeler in the late 1980s. Joe was one of the nicest and most sincere gentlemen I have met in all my years in the industry. We travelled often to the power plants and power company offices in and around the Pittsburgh area, and he always did his best to ensure we were prepared and everything was taken care of properly. His customers had a lot of respect for Joe, and in turn for Foster Wheeler, due to the manner in which Joe handled himself. I remember him giving me lessons on how to be a good husband, giving flowers often was the one I remember most. I am still with (a descendent company of) Foster Wheeler, largely because of great people like Joe that I met and worked with over the years. My deep condolences to the family.
Joe was special to all of us at FW and to all of our clients. I worked many deals with him that closed, and some that didn’t. Through it all, his faith and love of family were so strong and so known to all. I admire him and will always continue to admire Joe. I can laugh at many memories of times with Joe and will cherish them.
Joe and Joanna hosted us at their home and also at the vacation home of their son Joe. They were truly gracious and accommodating and in their company you felt like family. Joe especially was so fun loving- I’ll always remember his backyard games that brought all ages together. Sincere condolences to their children and grandchildren.
Joe was a great guy. I put together a couple of deals with him at FW.
One time in Pittsburgh he made a comment about the ragged and travel-worn condition of my leather briefcase. And I mentioned that FW should provide briefcases for the people that travel often.
The next time Joe showed up at the FW NJ office he gave me a present of one of those dark red paper accordion folders with a handle taped to it and the inscription “Official Foster Wheeler Issue Briefcase”.
I kept it in my office for 25 years until I retired.
Thanks again, Joe.
That about sums up dad. Thank you for that.
Joe always looked after his FW “family”. On my 1st assignment at the Bruce Mansfield Station, unable to get home for Thanksgiving, Joe invited my over to his home for dinner. Still remember Joe and Brian dressed up as Indians. On my 2nd move to the Pittsburgh area, Joe was always very supportive of my efforts. He always had a “can do” attitude.
He will be missed.
Joe was a wonderful, kind and friendly man always with a genuine smile. I can still hear his voice and his laughter/chuckle over a funny situation or a clean joke. He was always persistent and believed we could always do the best for our client while still meeting the objectives of our company. Every client I saw Joe come in contact with welcomed him with a warm and friendly smile and handshake even under the most difficult circumstances. He was a great company man and loved and cherished his co-workers. We will miss your friendly smile and kind spirit Joe.
My thoughts and prayers are with Joe’s children, grandchildren and siblings. So sorry that I am unable to make the funeral. I will remember all of the happy times I had with Joe and Joanna; all the calls with Joe and reminiscing about our families. I remember all our 4th of July celebrations and his birthday. His wit and warm heart will be truly missed.
Love, Cousin Trudy
I met Joe this past March at the Sewickley Masonic Village where I worked the Clubhouse front desk on Sundays. I always looked forward to chatting with him and we spent countless hours talking of his many adventures. He was always up to planning something new! I was completely fascinated by his works of art that included his wood dog carvings and his jewelry he made from old family silverware. Each piece always had a story behind it; Joe was extremely talented and was recently making Christmas presents at the Masonic woodshop. It gives great peace in knowing that Joe is on a new adventure of being reunited with his wife that he missed terribly. Prayers to his children and grandchildren that he worshiped so much!
Joe was a kind and very giving guy. He always looked for the good in people. You lived a great life, Joe. You were a very lucky guy. I am so very sorry I can’t be there to say goodbye. Rest In Peace, big brother.