Joseph Rega

Joseph John Rega, known throughout his life as Shmoey, Joe, Joey, Dad and PopPop, passed away on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at the age of 97.

Born on June 17, 1929, in the Frankford section of Philadelphia, Joe was the son of John Rega and Anna Buak Rega, both originally from Ukraine. He grew up on Eadom Street with his older sister, Olga “Ollie” Brady Rega, who preceded him in death.

After attending high school at Mastbaum, Joe began working as a machinist for the Stokes Division of Pennwalt in Northeast Philadelphia. At age 21, he was drafted into the United States Army and served for two years and was honorably discharged in 1953 due to injury. Following basic training at Fort Hood, Texas, Joe was deployed to Munich, Germany, during the Korean War. He rose to the rank of Sergeant and served as a Tank Commander, supervising training maneuvers, and received several military commendations for his service.

After leaving the Army, Joe returned home and continued working for Stokes while studying engineering at Penn State University, Ogontz Campus. For five years, he attended classes at night while working during the day. His hard work and determination led him from machinist to Tool Designer and eventually Estimating Engineer. He spent his entire career with Stokes, retiring in 1991 at the age of 62.

Joe married Anzelma “Ann” Barbara Smith on October 9, 1954. He affectionately called her “Shmedek,” and the two shared nearly 72 years of marriage. They honeymooned in the Poconos and built a life together centered largely around their home and family.

When their children were young, family adventures included a trip to the Thousand Islands in Canada and trips to Atlantic City and Wildwood. Once their children were grown, Joe and Ann took a trip together to Newport, Rhode Island, where they toured the mansions.

For many years, Joe and Ann made their home in their stone Cape Cod on North Hills Avenue. It was there that Joe could often be found tinkering in the garage, tending to the landscaping or sitting in his rocking chair on the covered back porch, particularly during his favorite season, fall. In February 2024, Joe moved to Dresher Estates to be with Ann, where they spent the final years of their nearly 72-year marriage together.

Joe and Ann raised three children: Sandra Ann Rega Lombardo and her husband, Louis Lombardo III; David Joseph Rega and his wife, Maureen Migliaccio Rega; and Holly Marie Rega Yuschak and her husband, Mark Yuschak.

Joe was PopPop to five grandchildren: Nicole Lombardo Ganz and her husband, Josh; Louis Lombardo IV and his wife, Jenelle; Jeffrey D. Rega and Heidi Rega Welsh (former granddaughter-in-law); Kelly P. Rega Prutzman and her husband, Mike; and Michael D. Rega and his wife, Stephanie.

He had the opportunity to watch his family grow another generation with eight great-grandchildren: Braxton and Lexyn Ganz; Whitney and Kincaid Lombardo; Jordan Rega; Molly and Mia Prutzman; and Oliver “Ollie” Rega.

Joe was a man who appreciated things being just so. He took tremendous pride in his vehicles (timely 3-month oil changes), his home and, perhaps most famously, his immaculate lawn. His garage housed a carefully organized and labeled collection of tools, hardware and supplies. And in the basement, file cabinets held decades of meticulously organized financial, tax, investment and home-maintenance records. If there was a receipt, statement or piece of paperwork associated with something, chances were Joe had saved it, filed it and knew exactly where to find it.

He brought that same diligence to his health. Joe went to every doctor's appointment and paid close attention to every ache, pain and potential concern. Considering he lived to be 97, his family has to concede that perhaps he was onto something.

Joe took equal pride in his appearance. His carefully combed pompadour was a signature look throughout his life. Even a casual afternoon at home had its own Joe uniform: a short-sleeved button-down shirt and shorts as he rocked in his chair on the covered back porch. From there, he could look out over the home, landscaping and meticulously maintained lawn he cared for so well.

He liked his routines, and he knew what he liked. Joe could often be found watching Fox News, an Eagles game or one of his favorite shows. He loved The Sopranos, Hogan’s Heroes, M*A*S*H, The Jackie Gleason Show and certain Saturday Night Live skits that never stopped making him laugh. His favorite movies included Doctor Zhivago and Fargo. He enjoyed sipping blackberry brandy and piña coladas, loved pizza and ice cream, and was known to hunt for the donuts Ann tried to hide from him.

Joe also had a genuine love for animals. The family's furry friends (Opie, Joey, Misty, Wendy, Gigi) quickly figured this out and knew exactly where to position themselves whenever Joe was at the table. He was notorious for slipping them human food when he thought no one was looking, especially at Thanksgiving.

During his 97 years, he served his country, worked his way from machinist to engineer, pursued his education at night while working during the day, and built a career that lasted decades. He shared nearly 72 years of marriage with Ann and lived to see the family they started grow to include three children, five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

For those who knew him, Joe will be remembered in all of those unmistakably Joe details—his accomplishments, the familiar routines and especially the idiosyncrasies that made him who he was.

Services and interment will be held privately.