Joseph "Joe" A. Shafranich

Joseph “Joe” A. Shafranich, Sr., 85, of Bellefonte, passed from this life into eternal rest on Monday, March 25, 2024, at home surrounded by loving family. Born on June 9, 1938, in Pleasant Gap, he was the son of the late Mark Joseph Shafranich and Rhoda Ellen (Duck) Shafranich Fultz. He married the love of his life, Cathy (Daughenbaugh) Shafranich, who survives at home after sharing 48 years of marriage.

Joe worked many different jobs during his lifetime, but farming was his passion. He retired from Penn State University Farm Operations in 2005 and farming in general in 2021.

In addition to his wife, Cathy, he is survived by his children, Joseph, Jr. of Mifflintown, Steven of Lewistown, twins Rhoda (Lisa McCullough) of Lewistown and Rhonda of Baltimore, Maryland, Susan Kauffman (Steve) of Lewistown, Andrew (Brenda) of Mattawana, and Nichole Lambert of Bellefonte, along with 12 grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, William Shafranich, a stepdaughter, Pearl Branstetter, and a grandson, Andrew R. Shafranich.

Joe was of the Methodist faith. In his spare time, he enjoyed attending farm auctions, watching football and baseball, and reading.

A public viewing will be held on Monday, April 1, 2024, from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, at Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc., 206 N. Spring Street, Bellefonte. Funeral services will begin at 12:00 PM, at the funeral home, with Pastor Doug Conway officiating. Burial and graveside services will immediately follow at Meyer Cemetery in Bellefonte.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joe’s memory to Pets Come First, 2451 General Potter Highway, Centre Hall, PA 16828.