William Joseph, Jr.

William (Bill) Joseph, Jr., 95, formerly of Girard, Pennsylvania, passed away on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at the Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, surrounded by four generations of loved ones and his devoted wife, Jean. Bill grew up in New Kensington during the Great Depression as the youngest of seven born to William and Katby (Neahmia) Joseph, proud naturalized citizens from Bazbina, Lebanon. He left high school early to serve in World War II, alongside five of his siblings.

After the war, he became the first in his family to earn a college degree through the G.I. Bill.  At Indiana University of Pennsylvania, he played varsity football, earned a teaching degree, and met his wife of sixty-seven years, Jean Marie Johnston of Corry. They settled in Girard where Jean was a music teacher and Bill coached football. They were longtime members of Girard United Methodist Church. He retired after thirty-seven years of service from his final position as the Director of Guidance and school psychologist for Girard School District. He maintained contact with many of his former students and football players, and he derived much satisfaction from his life’s work. He and Jean moved to Palmyra in 2013 to be closer to family.

Besides his wife, Bill is survived by his daughter Debra (Kermit) Bell, of Palmyra, his son William (Debra) Joseph, of State College; his six grandchildren, Gabe (Emily) Bell, Mike (Alex) Bell, Andrea (Brian) Ruttenberg, Kathryn (Jason) Gomes, Lindsey (Dave) Miller, and Kristen (Cameron) Teaman; and nine great-grandchildren, Jean Louise, Ezra, Joseph, Ellie, Conrad, Evelyn, Amelia, Cormac, and Cassidy—to whom he was a beloved and devoted Jidu.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers—Ossie, Tom, Andrew, Daniel, and Ernest—and sister, Medelia Brumer.

Bill was a powerful influence for good in the lives of all who knew him—he never forgot his humble roots nor the sacrifice his parents made to come to this country. He instilled a love for country, community service, and family in his children and grandchildren and inspired all to earn college degrees and cheer for the Pittsburgh Steelers, no matter how questionable the play calling. Bill loved golfing with Jean and friends, wintering in Myrtle Beach, being with his grandchildren and their families, traveling throughout the United States (especially the national parks), picking up the tab, and giving directions.

Burial with military honors will be conducted at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery at 11 A.M. January 7th, followed by visitation (12:30 P.M.) and a celebration of life (1:30 P.M.) at Gravel Hill United Methodist Church in Palmyra. A fellowship meal will follow.

Donations may be made to the Foundation for IUP, for the William and Jean Joseph Family Scholarship, 1011 South Drive, G1 Sutton Hall, Indiana, PA 15705 and the TSC Alliance, 8737 Colesville Road, Suite 400, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 25 W. Pine St., Palmyra, PA 17078.