Josh Bayer

Josh Bayer, of Sewickley, PA, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2024, at the age of 72 after a long battle beating the odds against leukemia. Josh was a respected and loved member of the Masonic Village at Sewickley as well as the Lawrenceville, PA communities.
Josh made a lasting impact at the Masonic Village while living there for the last year and a half through his efforts to modernize the library check-out system, start the photography club, co-found the chess club, and be an active participant in the technology club. Prior to joining the Masonic Village community, Josh lived for many years with his wife in Lawrenceville, PA, and served on the Lawrenceville Historical Society Board.
Josh dedicated his professional career as a video producer for Mine Safety Appliance, where his work contributed significantly to the company's safety communications. His creative vision and technical expertise were evident in all he did.
Josh also enjoyed model railroading, which was more than just a hobby. He spent many hours designing and building model train layouts. His love of model railroading was a testament to his creativity and youthful spirit. In addition to trains, Josh was a history buff, particularly of the French and Indian war. He spent many years as a reenactor in the British Army, and made sure to visit his children's middle school history classrooms, in character, to teach youth about the time period.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Kathy "Kate" Bayer, and his parents, James and Charlotte Bayer. Josh is survived by his brother Stephen Bayer and sister-in-law Beth Schiro; his daughters Leah Bayer and Rachel Bayer (Adam Stiska); four grandchildren, Morgan Johnke, Dayne Johnke, Samantha "Sammie" Stiska, and Veronika "Ro-Ro" Stiska; as well as his niece Julia Bayer and nephew James Bayer.
Josh's life will be remembered for its depth, his passion for model railroading, photography, history, games, and his unwavering commitment to those he loved. Details about a celebration of his life will be shared on the funeral home's website. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Hillman Cancer Center Research (Leukemia Program Fund), the Masonic Village at Sewickley, or a charitable organization of your choice.
If donating to the Masonic Village, please send a check made payable to MVS Sewickley Scholarship Fund to: MVS Sewickley Administration Office,1000 Masonic Drive
Sewickley, PA 15143. Please attach a note to the check stating the donation is in memory of Josh Bayer.