Joseph M. Verbka, 46, of Cabot passed away unexpectedly Sunday at Butler Memorial Hospital.

He was born on Nov. 8, 1968, in St. Mary's, the son of Rudy and the late Joan Gresock Verbka of Kersey.

Joe received his bachelor's degree from Gannon University and his master's degree from Ball State University. He loved archaeology and was a regional archaeology supervisor for PennDOT.

Joe was an avid outdoorsman whose favorite pastime was hunting. He was an award-winning amateur winemaker who had hoped to open his own winery. He will be dearly missed by Saffie, Tricksey and Jasper, his beloved cats.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 11 years, Jacqueline Prosen Verbka; his two sisters, Lori (Dave) Micsky of Mercer and Jill (Michael) Nash of Youngsville, N.C.; his four nephews, Ryan and Christopher Micsky and Aidan and Cooper Nash; his uncle, Mark (Patty) Gresock of Reynoldsville, and his daughter from a previous marriage, Kate Verbka of Dubois.

He was recently preceded in death by his mother; his uncle, Greg Gresock, and his other aunts and uncles.

Verbka — There will be no visitation or service for Joseph M. Verbka, who passed away Sunday, Nov. 9, 2014.Contributions may be made in memory of Joe to the Butler County Humane Society, 1015 Evans City Road, Renfrew, PA 16053.Arrangements are entrusted to the Young Funeral Home, Butler.For more information, go to www.youngfuneralhomes.com.