Joseph Hockersmith

Joseph Lee Hockersmith, 70, lifelong resident of Shippensburg, departed this life on the afternoon of Thursday, November 9, 2023, at his home.

He was born on November 25, 1952, in Chambersburg, a son of the late J. Lee and Anne (Means) Hockersmith. Joe was a 1970 graduate of Shippensburg Area High School, enlisted in the United States Navy on October 21, 1970, and was honorably discharged on October 21, 1974. Joe served on the USS Ulysses S. Grant, doing five patrols in the North Atlantic, based out of Holy Loch, Scotland. After his stint in the Navy, he enrolled at Shippensburg State College, graduating in 1978 with a bachelor’s degree in history.

Joe worked at the former Western Auto on King Street in Shippensburg starting in 1974, while in college. The Western Auto later became Charlie’s True Value, which Joe purchased in 1984 and operated through 1999. He then parlayed his relationships from operating a hardware store into a successful career selling building trusses to local contractors and lumber yards, eventually retiring in 2023.

Joe was an active member of the Shippensburg community for many years, serving on the Borough Council as the East Ward Representative from 2002 until 2017. He was also a very active member of the Messiah United Methodist Church, serving on the Building, Ministry and Facilities, Staff Parish, and Endowment Committees; as an Appalachian Service Project Volunteer/Chaperone; and as a Youth Fellowship Leader and Lay Leader. Joe was a life member of the Durff-Kuhn V.F.W. Post #6168, Oscar M. Hykes American Legion Post #223, both of Shippensburg; as well as a life member of the United States Submarine Veterans. He also spent time as a volunteer coach for the Shippensburg Little League.

In his leisure time, Joe enjoyed pheasant hunting with his sons and fly fishing with his grandsons.

Joe married Kathe (Staver) Hockersmith, his wife of 51 years, on June 18, 1972, in the Grace United Church of Christ, Shippensburg. He is survived by Kathe as well as their children, Joseph Hockersmith and wife Jane of Ellicott City, MD, Nathan Hockersmith and wife Tiffany Shoop of Blacksburg, VA, and Erin Hockersmith of Shippensburg. Joe is also survived by siblings, B. Randall Hockersmith and wife Kristi, Carol Tsambiras and husband Angelo, Timothy Hockersmith and wife Lynn, and Joan Pipan; sister-in-law, Nancy Davis; three grandsons, Charlie, Andrew, and Jack Hockersmith; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by a brother, Daniel Hockersmith; his parents in-law, Charles and Esther Staver; and a brother-in-law, Bernard Pipan.

His memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., on December 16, 2023, at the Messiah United Methodist Church, Shippensburg. Pastor Bob Vizthum will officiate. Visitation will be held concurrent with a reception following the memorial service. Joe will be laid to rest in the Spring Hill Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the Oscar M. Hykes American Legion Post #223.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.