Joseph W Koester Iii

RED LION - Joseph W. Koester III, 49, passed away Thursday, August 31, 2017 at York Hospital. He was the husband of Deborah A. (Pavel) Koester, to whom he was married 22 years. A Celebration of Life tribute service will be held at 1 PM on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at St. John's United Church of Christ, 161 North Main Street, Red Lion, with his Pastor, Reverend David D. Tietje officiating. A viewing will be held from 5-8 PM on Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at Life Tributes by Olewiler & Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 35 Gotham Place, Red Lion. Full military honors will be at 6 PM on Tuesday at the funeral home provided by the York County Veterans Honor Guard. Born September 10, 1967 in Hamburg, New York, Joseph was a son of James Koester (Theresa) of Hamburg, NY, and the late Paula (Sommer) Koester. Mr. Koester served our country in the United States Navy during the Gulf War. Throughout his service he worked on many nuclear submarines. Joe worked as the fire marshal at Exelon Corporation for over 19 years. He also was a volunteer firefighter and past President of the New Bridgeville Fire Company. He was a member of the American Legion in Hamburg Post 527.He was an excellent cook, and loved sports, coaching baseball and softball and watching his Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres and the Boston Red Sox. Joe also enjoyed the outdoors; hunting and fishing, a good bonfire and a few beers, or a tailgate before a game. He had a deep love for his family and friends and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. In addition to his wife and father, Mr. Koester is survived by three children, Chelsea Koester (Levi), Hollie Koester (Dylan), and Joshua Koester; a brother, Scott Koester (Kim) of Park City, UT, and many extended family and friends. Memorial contributions may be made to the New Bridgeville Fire Company, 2870 Furnace Rd., Red Lion, PA 17356.