Joseph Henry Weaver

Joseph Henry Weaver, 86, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2025, at his home in Cumberland, MD.

He was born on March 26, 1939, in Martinsburg, WV, the son of the late Henry F. and Harriet (Harris) Weaver. He was preceded in death by an older brother, Robert P. Weaver.

He grew up in Martinsburg where he attended public schools, including the first two years of high school. He then attended the Mercersburg Academy where he graduated in 1957. He went on to West Virginia University, where he graduated in 1962. After military service, he returned to WVU for graduate school where he obtained an MA, did extensive additional study in history and taught history courses as a graduate assistant.

Mr. Weaver served in the Army with a tank unit in Germany for two years, first as a platoon leader and then a staff officer, followed by two years in the active reserves.

He came to Cumberland in 1971 as an associate professor of history at Allegany Community College (later Allegany College of Maryland) where he served until 2011, teaching all the history classes offered by the college. His primary research interest was regional history. He was one of the founders of the Allegany Museum and was a member of the Board of Directors for 26 years. Although his official title was vice president, he performed a multitude of duties. He was an enthusiastic promoter of interest in local history and heritage tourism.

Mr. Weaver was a member of several historical organizations, the local Torch Club, and the First Presbyterian Church of Cumberland, where he served as an elder.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Carolyn (Boswell) Weaver. He is survived by two children, Julie Weaver Murray, of Salisbury, MD, and Joseph L. "Jay" Weaver, of Carnegie, PA; two grandchildren, Jonathan Murray (Amber), and Andrew Murray (Sarah), both of Berlin, MD; and six great-grandchildren, Landon, Anna, Brooklyn, June, Indah, and Ellis Murray.

Our family would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the caregivers for their kindness and dedication to Joe over the last two years. The family also extends special thanks to the UPMC Western MD Hospice for their compassionate care and support.

In accordance with his wishes, Mr. Weaver will be cremated.

Friends will be received at the Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., 108 Virginia Avenue, Cumberland, on Saturday, August 2, 2025 from 11am to 1pm. A memorial service will immediately follow at 1pm with Pastor Bruce McBride officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Allegany Museum, 3 Pershing St., Cumberland, MD 21502; or UPMC Western MD Hospice Services, 12501 Willowbrook Rd, 3rd Floor, Cumberland, MD 21502.