Joseph Lewis, Jr.

Joseph F. Lewis, Jr. “beloved husband, father, grandfather, and son”

GALETON, Pa.---Joseph F. “Joe” Lewis, Jr., 59, a longtime resident of Galeton, went to be with the Lord on Monday, January 11, 2021, at UPMC Williamsport, after a short illness.

Born on Wednesday, October 18, 1961 in Lancaster, he was a son of Joseph F. Sr. and Nancy C. Keen Lewis. On January 24, 1981 in the United Methodist Church of Galeton, he married Sandra D. “Sandy” Sutherlin, who survives.

Joe was a graduate of Galeton High School, Class of 1979. Joe honorably and bravely served in the US Army between 1979 and 1983.

Joe faithfully served the Potter County and Galeton areas in roles including log scaler, county chief tax assessor, and heavy equipment operator. At the time of his death, Joe worked for DCNR Forestry Division.

Joe was a member of the Wellsboro Bible Church in Wellsboro. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, and being in the woods. Joe’s greatest love was his family and his trust in the Lord. Joe lived to serve and mentor countless others through outdoor activities. Though encountering struggles early in his life, Joe gave himself to the Lord in 2007. He tirelessly shared his wisdom and his love of the Lord with all he met.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 40 years; three sons, Michael T. (Katrina) Lewis of Westfield; Joshua G. (Megan) Lewis, serving with the US Air Force in Great Falls, Montana, and Nicholas A. “Nick” (Katie) Lewis serving with the US Air Force in Colorado Springs, Colorado; five grandchildren, Alyssa Lewis, Joshua “JJ” Lewis, Jr., Isaiah Lewis, Logan Lewis, and Aiden Joseph “AJ” Lewis; his father, Joseph F. (Sue) Lewis, Sr. of Wellsboro; his mother, Nancy C. (Jim) Cunningham of Beech Creek; four brothers, Thomas Lewis of Lancaster, Scott (Tess) Cunningham of Florisant, Colorado, Greg (Robin) Lewis of Ronks, and Jimmy Paul of Port Allegany;

three sisters, Barb (Todd) Reese of Huntsville, Texas, Karen Lewis of Lancaster, and Lisa (Ron “Buzz”) Dietz of Erie; and many nieces and nephews.

He was a lively and caring inspiration to many others that called him friend, mentor, or “Dad”.

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Joe’s life starting at 10am on Saturday, July 10, 2021, at the Wellsboro Bible Church, 12880 Rt. 6, Wellsboro, Pa. with T.J. Freeman, pastor, officiating.

Members of the Tioga County Honor Guard will accord military honors on Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wellsboro Bible Church, 45 East Avenue, Wellsboro, PA 16901.

Joe’s family entrusted his care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences or share a fond memory of Joe, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.