Joseph A. 'Joe' Muha, Jr.

Boonville- Joseph A. Muha, Jr., 98, of West St., husband of Jayne, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 8, 2021, at his residence, while surrounded by his loving wife and family. He was born on Webster Hill Road, Town of Ava, on August 2, 1923, a son of Joseph A. and Catherine Grigerek Muha, Sr. As a child he moved with his family to what became the Muha Family homestead farm, on the Muha Road, Town of Leyden. After receiving his education at Town of Ava Rural School, Joe worked on his family's farm. Later he became skilled at operating bulldozers and over the years he drove Linn Tractors in the North Country. To state that Mr. Muha possessed logging in his blood was a large understatement. While employed at Gould Paper Co., Lyons Falls during the 1940's he became interested in the logging and bulldozing business. Joe used to comment with a smile that he purchased timber, cut it, skidding the logs before hauling it to markets, which for many years included businesses such as Ethan Allen Furniture Co., Boonville, Frankfort Union Fork and Hoe Company, Adirondack Bat Co., Dolgeville, NY, and Remington Rand Corp. in Herkimer, among many others. Joe always greatly enjoyed attending the New York State Woodsmen's Field Days in Boonville each year; for several years he enjoyed showcasing his logging equipment in the Woodsmen's Field Days parade. In addition to his logging business, for many years Mr. Muha also operated an excavating and bulldozing business. Over the span of many years he cleared many areas of land and constructed many ponds and logging roads. He was employed in his logging business until his 80's supplying firewood with his son, Joe, to many people throughout the north country. He also plowed snow in the winter for people in the Boonville area and for many years, Joe enjoyed driving truck with other Boonville men on summer weekends, moving Coleman Bros. Carnival around New York state. On August 25, 1956, Joseph was united in marriage with Jayne C. Williams., at St. Mary's Church West Leyden. Joe was a member of St. Joseph's Church, Boonville, and a member of the New York State Timber Producers Association. He and Jayne greatly enjoyed dancing the Polka; they loved Polka music and attending many dances throughout central and northern New York. In addition to Jayne, his wife of 65 years, Joe is survived by his children; Teresa E. Freeman, Hinckley, Sharon L. Bush, Boonville, Brenda K. LaBuz, Old Forge, Joseph A. Muha, III, Boonville; grandchildren, JoAnne N. Thomann Forestport and Bradley R. Bush, Boonville; great grandchildren, Evan Thomann, Ethan Thomann, Eli Bush and Emma Bush. The last of his family, Joe was predeceased by brothers; Louis, Michael, William, John, Paul and by sisters; Mary Bauer, Dorothy Sampson and Katherine who died as an infant. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 11, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Joseph's Church, Boonville, with Rev. Matthew Rawson, pastor as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Boonville. There are no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to Boonville Fire Company Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 164, Boonville, NY 13309. His arrangements are in care of Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. Boonville.