Joseph Paul Shott

Joseph Paul Shott, 77, of Mendon, PA, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 20, 2023 at Excela Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg, PA. He was born February 9, 1945 in West Newton, PA. Son of the late John and Ann (Pashki) Shott. He graduated from South Huntingdon High School Class of 1963, and then went on to obtain Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Pittsburgh.  Joe initially worked as a programmer for Westinghouse at their tele-computer center in Forest Hills, and then moved on to become a Business Mathematics Professor at Westmoreland County Community College (WCCC) in Youngwood. He truly cared for his students, and often times even provided assistance to them outside the classroom setting to help ensure their success.  Joe retired in 2009 after a nearly 30-year academic tenure at WCCC and fell back to a quiet life in Mendon, surrounded by his family of cats. Joe will always be remembered as an avid car and motorcycle buff, with frequent conversations throughout his life focused on previously owned Oldsmobile’s, Corvettes and other sports cars. With regard to motorcycles, he was known on a first-name basis at the local shops, wherein his purchases of Harley, Suzuki, and Yamaha brands became part of an endless list.  He also enjoyed body building and power-lifting, and was instrumental in establishing and maintaining fitness and gym facilities at the Community College.  Joe’s other passions included science fiction and listening to the “oldies,” whether at home or cruising in one of his cars.  Pizza was undoubtedly Joe’s food of choice, with his cravings up to the end always centered on his long-standing hometown favorite--the West Newton Pizza House. He is preceded in death by both parents; second wife, Linda (Albright) Kreuter-Shott and older brother, John Shott who passed shortly after birth.  He is survived by a son, David Shott (Kimberly) of Murrysville, PA; two grandchildren, Chelsea Shott (fiancé Jeff DeGraff) and Tyler Shott (fiancé Andrea Hartman) of Boston, MA; and first wife, Marsha (Smitley) Olson of Chattanooga, TN. Beatty-Rich Funeral Home, Inc. Rt 136 Madison, PA is in charge of arrangements – Ronald A. Rich Jr., Supervisor/FD. A private grave-side interment will take place at the Barren Run Cemetery in Smithton, PA with Deacon Bob Stauffer officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Joe’s memory to the Homeless Cat Management Team, PO Box 100203, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 or Heal Animal Rescue, 216 Depot Street, Youngwood, PA 15697. 

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