Donald V. Joswick

Donald V. Joswick, joined his love in eternal life on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.  Born March 14, 1948, in Somerset, PA, the son of Harvey and Margaret (Brink) Joswick.  Don married his beloved Marie Annette (Meholic) on August 5, 1972. Together, they raised their family until her passing in 2021 having celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary. He brought a red rose to her gravesite every Friday as he cherished his precious memories of their trips, concerts, and life together. 

Don is survived by his children, Heather and Ryan, and their spouses, Brad Manges and Lauren (Scott) Joswick.  His four grandchildren, Stone and Dane Manges and Jack and Evelyn Joswick, will miss their loving “Gunky.”  Don will be missed by his mother, brothers Robert and Stephen Joswick, and his sister Trudy Deaner.  Don’s sister Trudy afforded him the gift of life in 1997 when she donated a kidney - allowing him to see his children grow into adulthood and meet the grandchildren he dearly adored.

Don was a 1966 graduate of Forbes High School and a 1970 graduate of Shippensburg State College.  At Shippensburg, he became a member of Phi Sigma Epsilon in 1967, a brotherhood he maintained for the past 57 years, cherishing his close friendships with his fraternity brothers.  Don taught for two years at Northeastern School District in York, PA.  In 1972, Don proudly began teaching at Ferndale Area School District, with most of his career spent teaching sixth-grade science.  In addition to his dedication to the students in his classroom, Don was the successful Ferndale Area Lady Yellow Jackets head coach from 1981-1998.  His 1987-88 squad’s accomplishments include a 29-2 season record and a trip to the state championship in Hershey as the Western Final champs. Don was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Windber, serving in the choir and Holy Name Society through the years. Don’s health posed many challenges, but he carried himself as a pillar of strength and determination.  Today, he finds himself burden-free and reunited with his dear Marie. “How wonderful life is while you’re in the world.” Don’s family is grateful for the care, love, and respect he received from the Windber Woods Senior Living Center staff, both in the personal care and skilled-care levels. 

Friends received from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 24, at the William Kisiel Funeral Home, Windber, where a vigil for the deceased will be held.  The Funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Windber. Reverand Roderick N. Soha, Pastor.  Interment, St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Cemetery, Windber.  In lieu of flowers, please donate in Don’s memory to Windber Hospice or The V Foundation for Cancer Research. Online condolences may be offered at (Kisielfh.com).

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