Joseph Edward Schoener Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on August 6, 2026.

Joseph was born on March 1, 1950, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Joseph Edward Schoener Sr. and Katherine Ann Schoener, who went by Ann. The oldest of six boys, Joe grew up alongside his five younger brothers: Stephen, John, Christopher, Scott, and Mark.

Joe was preceded in death by both of his parents and by his brothers Stephen Schoener, John Schoener, and Mark Schoener. He is survived by his brothers Christopher Schoener and Scott Schoener.

Joe was an exceptionally intelligent man with a natural curiosity about the world around him. He had a lifelong love of computers, technology, and computer programming and was always interested in learning, figuring things out, and understanding how things worked. Long before technology became such a large part of everyday life, Joe was already a true "techie."

He also loved being outdoors. Camping was one of his favorite things to do, along with rock climbing and riding his bike. Whether he was exploring the outdoors, working with computers, or taking on something new, Joe had an adventurous and curious spirit.

That adventurous spirit also took him into the sky. Joe was a pilot and earned his commercial pilot's license, something that reflected both his intelligence and his willingness to challenge himself.

Joseph proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, an important chapter in a life filled with experiences, interests, and stories.

At the center of Joe's life was his family.

He shared 53 years of marriage with his wife, Mary Schoener. Their story began quickly—they met, fell in love, married not long afterward, and then simply kept choosing a life together. Through all that life brought their way, Mary and Joe loved and supported one another and stood beside each other for more than five decades. Mary loved Joe deeply, and his absence will be profoundly felt after having the man she shared nearly her entire adult life with by her side for 53 years.

Joe was the father of Wendy Christopher (Wendy Schoener) and the late Patricia Marie Schoener. He was also preceded in death by his granddaughter, Mariah Schoener, Patricia's eldest daughter.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Schoener; his daughter, Wendy Christopher (Wendy Schoener); his grandchildren, Oscar Desmond Iverson, Phoenix Marie Christopher, Lakota Charles Christopher, Timothy Osborne, and Jeremy Thomas Sanders Jr.; and his three great-grandchildren, Charles Everett Montgomery, Jenica Iverson, and Xander Malachi Finn.

Joe showed his love in the ways that came most naturally to him—by teaching, supporting, sharing what he knew, creating fun, and being there. Wendy was always her daddy's little girl, and some of her greatest memories are of everything her dad taught her and the fun he created throughout her childhood. She always knew that she was loved by him.

That same love of teaching continued with his grandchildren. Joe loved how children were like sponges—curious, eager, and always ready to learn. He had a special ability to make learning fun and built meaningful relationships with his grandchildren through the time he spent with them, the things he taught them, and the curiosity he encouraged in each of them.

Love wasn't always something Joe found easy to put into words, but his family knew it was there. It could be found in what he taught them, the support he gave them, the experiences he created, the hugs he gave, and simply in the fact that he was there.

Those who knew Joe will remember his intelligence, his humor, his curiosity, and the way he could make you think. One of his famous sayings summed up that unmistakable Joe sense of humor:

"You're not really here, you just think you are."

It was the kind of thing Joe would say that could make you laugh, shake your head, and maybe even stop and wonder whether he had a point.

After 76 years of life, 53 years of marriage, two daughters, and a family that grew across generations, Joe leaves behind much more than a list of accomplishments. He leaves behind the things he taught, the adventures he had, the laughter he created, the memories his family carries, and a lifetime of stories that will continue to be told.

And somewhere, Joe would probably remind us:

"You're not really here, you just think you are."

He was deeply loved, and he will be deeply missed.