Joseph David Eshleman

Joseph David Eshleman
June 1, 2024

"In a world where you can be anything, be kind."
- Clare Pooley

Joseph David Eshleman, of Schuylkill Haven,  a warm and caring soul who brightened the lives of all who knew him, passed away on June 1, 2024 at the age of 51 after an extended battle with cancer. 

Born on July 22, 1972 in York, Pennsylvania to Dr. Joseph K. Eshleman and Ella Margaret "Margie" Daubert Eshleman, Joe faced life's challenges with unending optimism, a generous spirit and an open heart.

A talented artist who loved animals (especially dogs), dancing, music and spending time with friends, neighbors and his beloved Daubert and Eshleman families, Joe found joy in the simple things. His genuine warmth and caring touched all those fortunate enough to be in his orbit, including the staff and friends he made through Avenues, ACCESS Life, Special Olympics, Schuylkill Church of the Brethren, and Pine Grove Community Church.  

Despite complex medical issues and special needs, Joe lived life to the fullest. Over the past two years, as he received cancer treatment in Philadelphia, he became a bright light to patients and staff alike. He would arrive at the infusion center to cries of "Hi Joe!" and "How are you doing, Joe?" and spend hours perfecting jokes and committing wholeheartedly to their delivery, even as his health failed. There was truly no one like Joe, whose spirit continued to shine and bring joy to others until the very end.

Joe is survived by his mother Ella Margaret "Margie" Daubert Eshleman, with whom he resided in Schuylkill Haven, his sister and brother-in-law Stefanie and Matthew Wakeman of Philadelphia, and a community who loved him dearly. Our "Bunky Boy" will be forever missed.

Funeral Services for Joe will be held on Saturday June 8, 2024 at 11:00 am at the Schuylkill Church of the Brethren, 347 Sweet Arrow Lake Road, Pine Grove PA 17963 with Pastors Mike Barnhart and Bob Kensinger officiating. There will be a viewing on Saturday, June 8, 2024 from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at the Church.  Interment will follow in the Schuylkill Church of the Brethren Cemetery, Pine Grove. 

If you would like to honor Joe's memory, please make a donation in his name to either the Penn Medicine Abramson Cancer Center, www.pennmedicine.org/cancer/giving, the Schuylkill Church of the Brethren, c/o Lois Lehman, 26 Pine Hill Rd., Pine Grove, PA 17963 or ACCESS Services, www.accessservices.org/donate  or mail to Access Services, Inc., Development Office, 500 Office Center Dr., Suite 100, Ft. Washington, PA 19034-3234 and put "Greatest Need" in the memo line. 

The H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove is in charge of arrangements and you may send condolences online at www.hlsnyderfuneralhome.com.

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