Joseph A. Dearden

Joseph A. “Joe” Dearden, 76, of Murrysville, passed away peacefully January 14, 2026, at UPMC East Hospital in Monroeville.  He was born on December 23, 1949, in Pittsburgh, son of the late William and Marie (Dascenzo) Dearden.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Lauren Dearden.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Susan (Caputo) Dearden, his daughter, Courtney (Anthony) Santone, and his grandchildren, Antonio and Angelina.

Joe put his whole heart into everything he did—both in his personal life and throughout his career in public safety at Duquesne University, from which he retired in 2017. Thoughtful, polite, and endlessly friendly, he had a humor and personality that were unforgettable.

He loved his family deeply and always made sure they were safe, protected, and cared for. He loved spoiling his grandkids; they loved him so much, and he took such joy in making them laugh and putting big smiles on their faces. 

He was a true Mr. Fix-It. If he tackled a job, he didn’t just get it done; he made it better than it was before. He adored animals, especially dogs, made sure the birds and deer were fed, and refused to go to the zoo because seeing animals confined broke his heart.

He was kind, generous, hilarious, and so deeply loved. If you were lucky enough to know him, you felt it. No amount of time could ever be long enough, but we’ll see him again one day — and we have no doubt he’ll be the first one making us laugh.

Visitation will be on Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Hart Funeral Home, Inc., Murrysville.  Parting prayers will be held at the funeral home on Monday, January 19, 2026, at 9:15 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. at Mother of Sorrows Church in Murrysville.  Interment will follow at Twin Valley Memorial Park in Delmont with Military Honors accorded by the United States Army.

For online condolences, please visit www.hartfuneralhomeinc.com.

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