Rodney E. Joseph, Sr.

YORK- Rodney (“Rod”) E. Joseph, Sr., 84, passed away while surrounded by family at Country Meadows on Saturday, February 22, 2014 at 9:55 PM. He was the devoted husband of Jane (Steinhauer) Joseph with whom he shared 62 years of marriage. Born on September 16, 1929, he was the son of the late Grace (Oberlander) Joseph and Emory Joseph. Rodney graduated from West York High School in 1948, where he excelled in basketball. Throughout his life, Rod maintained his love for basketball by coaching York Boys Club and remained an avid West York High School sports fan. Prior to serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War era, Rod’s desire to serve his country was apparent when he became a volunteer Air Raid messenger boy at age thirteen during World War II. After completing more than 33 years of service to Met-Ed, he retired in 1991. Rodney joined St. John’s Episcopal Church where he served as an usher and was a faithful member of the church for nearly sixty years. Rod was a committed walker and became a recognized face to many as he walked thousands of miles around West York, the fairgrounds and the WY High School track. In addition to his wife, survivors include his five children, son Rodney Jr. and his wife Alesa; son Randy and his wife Linda; son Richard and his wife Lori; and sons Chris and Kevin. He also leaves seven grandchildren and one sister, Charmaine Gladfelter. He was preceded in death by his brothers Jacob, Robert, Donald, and sister Anna. His family will fondly remember him as an attentive husband and dedicated father. Services will be held Saturday, March 1,, 2014 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 140 N. Beaver St., York, 17401. Visitation starts at 10:00 am with memorial service to follow at 11:00. York County Veterans Honor Guard will provide a flag folding at the start of the service. Private interment will be at discretion of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the York Rescue Mission, 367 W. Market Street, York, PA 17401. Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Road in York is assisting with the arrangements.