Joseph H. Secrist Jr.

1941 - 2024

Joseph H. Secrist, Jr., 82, of Easton, MD, passed away on March 2nd, 2024. Born May 5th, 1941, in Ridgely, MD, Joe was a loving husband, beloved father and devoted grandfather. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Joe's life was a life of service. Service to his family, service to God and church, and service to the community. A native of Cordova, MD, Joe graduated from Easton High School and Chesapeake College.

Like his father, Joe owned and managed Secrist Electric in Cordova, MD for many years, serving our community of farmers, businesses and residents. He also served as a member of the Talbot County Electrical Board. He was a life member and former president and chief of the Cordova Volunteer Fireman's Association. He was also past president of the Talbot County Fireman's Association. Joe was an instructor for the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute for several years, providing training to fire service on the Eastern Shore. He also served six years in the National Guard.

He was active in politics and was elected to the Republican Central Committee. Joe served for over twenty years on the Talbot County Election Board, as a member and president. Joe was a trustee at Talbot Bible Church and more recently at Shore Harvest Presbyterian Church. He donated many hours doing electrical work on the building renovation of Shore Harvest.

Joe had a vast knowledge of Talbot County history, especially the canning and oyster packing industries. He was an avid collector of canning labels and tokens, as well as oyster cans. He was a member of the Tuckahoe Steam and Gas Association and welcomed visitors to the museum there for numerous years.

Joe is survived by his wife of 44 years, Gayle Secrist, and one daughter - Carrie Simpler (Jonathan), as well as two grandchildren - Grimm and Janie, whom he adored. He is also survived by his brother, C. Kenneth Secrist. He was preceded in death by his father, J. Henry Secrist and his mother, Sarah Secrist.

The family will receive visitors at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home in Easton on Sunday, March 10th, from 3pm to 6pm. A funeral service will be held at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home on Monday, March 11th at 11am, where friends and family may visit starting at 10:30am. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made to Cordova Volunteer Fireman Association or Shore Harvest Presbyterian Church.

For online condolences, please visit: www.fhnfuneralhome.com