Joseph Michael Parlak, 74, of Cambridge Springs passed away on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at Crawford County Care Center. Joe was born in Braddock, PA, on June 13, 1948, the son of the late Joseph Thomas Parlak and Mary Ann Fetch Parlak. He graduated from Turtle Creek High School with the class of 1966 and received a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Edinboro University in 1970. He taught in the Penncrest School District for over sixteen years. As a committed Catholic, he was a dedicated member of St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church in Cambridge Springs where he taught religious education classes for over eighteen years. Joe was a drag racing fan who enjoyed classic cars and motorcycles. He treasured time spent with his family, especially with his uncles. Parlak reunions did not begin until cousin Joe arrived in his 1970 Dodge van which he dubbed “the Starship Enterprise.”
Survivors include brother, Dennis Parlak and his wife, Maria of Orlando, Fl; sister, Sandra Savage and her husband, Bryan of Ocoee, FL; sister, Christina Thomas and her husband, Fred; aunt, Patricia Counts of Fredericksburg, VA; aunt, Fran Parlak of Syracuse, NY; aunt, Mary Lou Parlak of Monroeville; cousin, Edward Fiala and his wife, Sabina of Indiana, PA; eighteen cousins; many nieces and nephews; many friends from Cambridge Springs; and his church family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 20, at 10 am at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Cambridge Springs with the Rev. Fr. Mark Nowak as celebrant. Interment Cambridge Springs Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church Religious Education Department or the Cambridge Springs Public Library.
Joe had a wonderful sense of humor and great taste in music. He taught me so much about the blues. He was a good friend and an awesome person with a big heart.
I will always remember him fondly.
Carrie Erickson
Hey bro! It ended all too soon. I wish we would have spent more time together. You have always been an inspiration to me and now I cherish the memories we had. One thing we did have in common was sharing our ms stories. I am so glad the pain is over you endured. You are home at last in your everlasting home. John 14:2 and 3. This has always been one of my favorite verses. Someday I will see you, mom and dad again. Looking forward to it. But for now I am thankful for the memories. We love you!
You have my deepest sympathy.