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Joseph John Schwenk Jr. (1970 – 2026)

Joseph John Schwenk Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, Marine and friend to many, passed away surrounded by the love he spent a lifetime giving to others. Joe proudly served his country as a United States Marine with 2/8, carrying that same loyalty and toughness into every chapter of his life. After his service, he dedicated his career to working as a corrections officer, where he retired after years of standing shoulder to shoulder with his brothers in one of the toughest environments imaginable. To those who served beside him, he was the one who ran toward danger, the one who made you laugh in the chaos and the one you always wanted beside you when things got hard. Joe was raised by Tony and Rose Collura, whose love and guidance helped shape the man so many came to know and love. The values they instilled in him: loyalty, grit, humor and an unwavering sense of family, stayed with him throughout his life. Above all else, Joe was a family man, and the kind of man who never met a stranger. His home was always open, his beer was always cold and there was always room at the table. He would give you the shirt off his back, listen without judgment and make you feel like you mattered. Whether it was sharing stories, blasting Black Sabbath, cheering on the Steelers, grilling steaks or swapping jokes at the bar, Joe made life feel bigger and brighter just by being in the room. Friends and coworkers describe him as fearless, loyal, hilarious and deeply kind; a brother in every sense of the word. He was a storyteller, a protector, a dog lover and the guy who showed up when it counted most. Many say he made them feel understood, respected and loved: a rare gift that defined who he was. Joe lived loud, loved hard and left a mark that will never fade. Though his heart ultimately gave out, those who knew him know just how big it truly was. He will be remembered as a proud Marine, a dedicated officer, a loyal friend and the kind of man you only meet once in a lifetime. Semper Fi.

SURVIVORS

He is survived by his wife, Donna, and his children Windie (Gabe), Jon (Elena), Becky (Kyle), Destyne and Avery. He was a proud grandfather to David, Gabriel, Aiden, Cole, Harper and Jonathyn–a role he cherished deeply. His family was his world, and he made sure they knew it every single day. His father is Joseph John Schwenk Sr. Joe is also remembered by and with his best friend, Tommy, and siblings Bernie, Roxanne, Bill, Kelly, Jacob and Michael, along with many beloved nieces and nephews, including Eric, Jacob, Noah, Venice, Janie, Elijah, Vin and Susan, all of whom were part of the extended family he loved deeply.

SERVICES

Family and friends are invited to the graveside service at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 5, 2026 at Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, 60 Indiantown Gap Road, Annville, PA 17003. A Celebration of Life will be held at a local Legion. To share an expression of sympathy with this family, please visit Heintzelmancares.com. Arrangements are by the Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., Hellertown.

CONTRIBUTIONS

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors Inc., 1013 Mumma Road, Suite 203, Wormleysburg, PA 17043.