Joseph "Joe" Leonard Papa

Joseph Leonard Papa, known as “Joe,” died peacefully at his Disputanta, Virginia, home on December 5, 2024, at the age of 80. Born the youngest of 6 on August 26, 1944, in Ridgway, Pennsylvania, Joe lived a life marked by devotion to family, service to his country, and a passion for the outdoors.

Joe proudly served as a U.S. Navy Corpsman from 1962 to 1966, including time in Vietnam with a MASH unit from 1965 to 1966. He was honorably discharged after being wounded in service. Following his military career, Joe’s dedication to helping others continued in healthcare. He relocated to Petersburg, Virginia, to attend nursing school, where he became the first male graduate of the nursing program at Petersburg General Hospital. In 1971, Petersburg General Hospital selected him to launch a new renal dialysis unit. Joe led the dialysis unit with unwavering commitment until his retirement in 2004, earning the National Renal Administrators Association Supervisor of the Year award from 1993 to 2004.

Joe’s love for his family and nature was evident to all who knew him. His love of hunting developed in the beautiful woods of Ridgway, Pennsylvania, where he spent his childhood, and continued in Virginia at the Sussex Hunt Club, where he spent most of his free time. He was happiest in his ‘92 Chevy, exploring the outdoors, and rooting for Pittsburgh sports teams (unless they were losing). 

Joe was preceded in death by his daughter, Lisa Ann Papa (1970). He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Papa Ingram (Jeremy), and his son, Joseph Aaron Papa (John-Stuart Fauquet); four cherished grandchildren, Lauren Ingram Hubert (Ben), Luke Alexander Ingram (Vada), Grayson Wayne Ingram, and Avery Layne Ingram; and one great-grandson, Waylon James Hubert. He also leaves behind his beloved sisters, Verle Yetzer of Ridgway, PA, and Helen Streich of Carrollton, TX, along with dozens of nieces and nephews who enriched his life.

Joe’s children would like to acknowledge the kindness and generosity of his neighbors, his hospice nurse Laura, and the aides who made it possible for him to remain in his home. 

A service to honor Joe’s life will be held for family and friends at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the Crater Road Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes, 3935 S Crater Road, Petersburg, VA 23805. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Wounded Warrior Project, support.woundedwarriorproject.org