Joy B. DeClaudio

Joy B. DeClaudio, 92, of Irwin, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, January 19, 2024. She was born July 4, 1931 in Irwin and was the daughter of the late Emil and Narcissa (Morpanini) Brunazzi, Sr. She was the wife of the late Robert "Bob" DeClaudio who passed away in 2002. Joy had worked for US Steel Irvin Works as a Key Punch Operator and also worked on her parents farm. She was a member of the Homemaker's Club in Sewickley and was a former member of the Shaner Sportsman's Club. She was a 1949 graduate of Sewickley Township High School in Herminie and attended Penn State University. She was a great Italian cook and a baker of many tasty "goodies". Joy loved cook books and trying new recipes. She also enjoyed going to sales, reading, making crafts with her friends at the "Club", and spending time with all her nieces and nephews including Laurie and her husband Rob at the Critter Country Animal Farm in Smithton. Joy attended "game dinners" at the Shaner Sportsman's Club, fundraiser BBQs at Clelian Heights School for Exceptional Children and holiday dinners with her family. Joy had a special "Pencil Christmas Tree" decorated with dozens of "Joy" ornaments given to her from friends and family members. She will be remembered for her devotion and care to her husband Bob DeClaudio, her parents, and her brother, Richie, and for her independence, great sense of humor and a heart of gold. She is survived by her niece, Sharon A. (Ray) Luzier of Elizabeth Township and nephews, Terry (Jane) Brunazzi, Sr., of Belle Vernon and Emil Brunazzi, III. of Irwin, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews. She preceded in death by her brothers, Art Brunazzi, Sr., Emil Brunazzi, Jr., and Richard Brunazzi, nephew, Gary Von Brunazzi, niece, Barbara Homa and great nephew, Arthur Brunazzi, Jr. Friends are welcome Tuesday, January 23, 2024 from 2-6 pm at the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township. (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, director. Service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 10 am. The Rev. Jody Dausey will be officiating. Interment will follow at the West Newton Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Clelian Heights School for Exceptional Children, 135 Clelian Heights Lane, Hempfield Township, PA 15601 724-837-8120 or  Critter Country Animal Farm, 914 PA-981 Smithton, PA 15479 724-872-5988. A Special Thank You to all of Joy's caregivers who provided her with companionship and exceptional care. Condolences may be made at gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com