Joe Clarence Brague

Joe Clarence Brague, age 81, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, passed away unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, October 21st. Born in Williamsport on April 16, 1944, to Clarence and Luella Brague, Joe remained deeply rooted in the community that shaped him. A proud graduate of Williamsport High School’s Class of 1962 and attendee of Williamsport Area Community College.

Joe retired from the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons, Allenwood, where he served as the manager of the UNICOR division. At age 55, he embraced retirement to devote more time to his family and his lifelong passion–martial arts.

Joe began his martial arts journey in 1967, quickly discovering a profound gift for the arts. His mastery, devotion, and lifelong passion for martial arts were woven into the very fabric of his being. After 26 years of unwavering dedication, he was bestowed the distinguished title of Grand Master of Goshin Jutsu Karate in 1993–a recognition that honored not only his skill, but the soul he poured into the art. Throughout his career, Joe became a revered figure in the martial arts world. He competed across the United States and Canada, earning three national fighting championships and was the number one fighter on the East Coast for five consecutive years. In 1975, he was named Black Belt of the Year, a testament to his excellence and leadership. He both hosted and competed in countless tournaments, always elevating those around him with his passion.

But Joe’s greatest impact was not measured in medals or titles–it was in the lives he touched. As a mentor and coach, he guided thousands of martial artists, shaping generations with his wisdom, discipline, and compassion. His legacy reached international heights when he coached the Goshin Jutsu National Karate Team to multiple gold medals at the world tournament in Russia. To Joe, martial arts was more than a hobby–it was family.

Outside the dojo, Joe found joy in golf, bowling, traveling, and working on home projects. He played on the Lycoming Division little league and coached girls fast-pitch softball while his two daughters were playing. He especially cherished time spent in Charleston, where some of his favorite memories were made. He loved visiting casinos and took immense pride in his children and grandchildren. Joe’s charismatic soul and generous spirit touched everyone he met. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, sensei, and friend–his legacy etched into the hearts of those who knew him.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Michele Bloom-Brague; his children from his first marriage to the late Nancy Brague–Karen (Peter) Skiro and Diane (Eric) Stabley; Minh (Annette) Nguyen and Thanh (Hong) Nguyen; Joe (Katie) Brague and Ryan (Richele) Brague. He leaves behind nine grandchildren: Eric Brague, Jake Kreamer, Zachery Kreamer, Meghan Latterner, Kyle Stabley, Taylor Stabley, Isabelle Brague, Coen Brague, and Cali Brague; and seven great-grandchildren. Joe is also survived by his sisters, Evelyn Brague and Marion (Gary) Mowery. He was predeceased by his brother Robert Brague and sister Gloria Peterman.

Joe’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the family he cherished, and the art he mastered. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Forever in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, please share your favorite picture and/or memory by sending to rememberingjoebrague@gmail.com. For those who feel compelled to give, a donation to a charity of your choice may be made in his memory.

Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at St Boniface Catholic Church, 326 Washington Blvd, Williamsport with Father Andrew Kurovsky officiating. Burial will be private. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025 at Kaufman Funeral Home, 2102 Northway Rd., Williamsport from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.

Online condolences may be made on Patricia’s memorial page at kaufmanfuneralhomes.com.