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Joel Essington Obituary
Joel Essington, beloved father, brother, and Papa Joel, 63, of Tamaqua, passed away on Jan. 1, 2020 in his home.
Joel was born on Dec. 11, 1956 in Coaldale Hospital. He was the son of Ruth and the late Ray Essington, and the life partner of Kathy (Murphy) Schock.
He was a member of Tamaqua High School's Class of 1974, where he was on the varsity football and wrestling teams, as well as being a part of the National Honor Society. Following his high school career, he attended Pennsylvania State University, later working for TNT Magazine and most currently Mack Trucks in Macungie.
Joel joined the American Hose Company in 1974, and shortly thereafter, joined the Tamaqua Ambulance Association as an EMT. He served as captain of the ambulance squad and was an EMT with the MERT team at Mack. He was a member of Trinity Church in Tamaqua.
Surviving, in addition to his mother and Kathy, are a son, Joel Jr. and his wife, Ashley, of New York; a brother, Ray and his wife, Beth, of North Carolina; step-daughters, Melissa (Schock) Hess and her husband, Brian, and Megan (Schock) Behr and her husband, Mike; nephew, Andrew of MA; and grandchildren, Jack and Will Essington, Mia, Braydan, Logan, Ava and Gavan Hess, and Molly and Aidan Behr.
Joel was proud to serve the Tamaqua Ambulance. He loved dogs and missed his and Kathy's babies, Bailey and Piper, dearly. Joel loved spending time with grandchildren and granddogs and enjoyed helping Kathy at their flower shop, Petal Pushers. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him and the many lives he touched.
Services: Calling hours will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Lamar Christ Funeral Home, Hometown. Memorial service will follow at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. Contribution in his name will be made to the Tamaqua Ambulance Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joel Essington
Sponsored by Lamar Christ Funeral Home - Hometown.
January 11, 2020
Kathy my prayers go out to you and your family . May he rest in peace.Cindy Kimock
Becky and John
January 9, 2020
I am very sorry to hear of his passing. My Deepest sympathy to all of you. Prayers for healing. He was always so friendly.
Patti Postupack Borger
January 8, 2020
Dear Kathy and family, and Joel Jr. and family- may your memories always be those of joy. Joel and I met in grade school at Pine Street School. We became friends and ran into one another here and there, now and then, over the years- and always a hug. Our last hug- at the class reunion a few months ago. RIP- old friend.
Sharon Herring
January 7, 2020
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Remember Joel will be in you heart forever. May all your memories you have of him comfort you at this time and forever
January 7, 2020
Dear Kathy & Family,
We were so saddened to hear of Joel's untimely passing. We will always remember him as such an openly friendly, funny, and sincerely kind man.
Sending prayers of peace and comfort.
Katie and Bob Paisley
Stephanie D'Souza
January 7, 2020
My deepest condolences to the family of Joel. I will always remember him as a kind and loving man. Sending warm thoughts and prayers to all touched by Joel during his lifetime.
Gary Smudin
January 7, 2020
To Kathy and all Family Members. So very sorry to hear of Joel's Passing! I worked with Joel at Mack Truck. Terrific guy, all around nice guy! Rode together a few times going to work. Will be missed! In gods hands! Gary
Dave Mattson
January 6, 2020
I had the privilege many years ago of running calls with Joel as an EMT with the Tamaqua Ambulance. He was a great mentor that I learned so much from during that time. He made an impact on me that I will never forget.
Tamaqua has lost a great man
My sincere condolences to his family.
Edward Carroll
January 5, 2020
I am so sorry for his loss. I knew Joel for many years as Chief of Rush Twp. He was well liked by everyone. He is with god and the Angels now. I will never forget him.
Frank Repyneck
January 5, 2020
Very sorry to hear about the loss of Joel. He was an amazing person of which I had the opportunity to work with at Mack Truck as well as on the Mert team. Joel was always a person that was always there to help as needed. He will be sorely missed by many, and it was a priveledge to have known him.
Barbara STEMMLER
January 5, 2020
My condolences to Kathy and family. First met Joel in the 4th-5th grade in Pine Street School, from that time on he has always greeted me with great bear hug no matter how much time has passed in between. I will miss those greetings, I will miss him. Heaven definitely got another good one! May your faith comfort you in this time of heartbreak and loss... until we all meet again
Jolynne Frie
January 5, 2020
Sometimes people come into our lives to show us the potential we have to make lives better. Joel you were that man. You not only helped myself but so many others with supporting us, guiding us and just being the great man you were. Your presents in our lives will be greatly missed. You truly made our lives better and helped many of us learn our own potentials. RIP until we meet again!!
Robin Steinhofer (worked with him at Mack)
January 4, 2020
Thoughts and prayers to Joel's family. He was a good guy to work with. He will be miss by all who knew him.
Jack and Cheryl O'Connor
January 4, 2020
Dear Joel and Kathy,
Sending our sympathy to all of you at this sad time. Joel was a lifetime friend who will certainly be missed.
David & Lynne Wertman
January 4, 2020
To the family of Joel Essington. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Donna (Wertman) Schuetrumpf
January 4, 2020
I'm so sorry for your loss . To Kathy , Mrs Essington & families, you all will be in my thoughts & prayers.
Travis & Debbie Huegel
January 4, 2020
Rest easy Joel , Thoughts & Prayers to the family
January 4, 2020
Joel was the most dedicated , loving and compassionate person.
He was a fantastic friend too. I think we will miss most the soft voice with the hearty laugh.
Gail & Don
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