Obituary of Rev. Dr. Joseph Edward Faulkner, Sr.

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle passed on to life with our Lord and his loving wife of 62 years, Barbara Anne Faulkner, who preceded him in death on January 6, 2015. Born in Augusta, GA, he is survived by his five children: Laura O’Brien, Joseph Jr., Leslie Gillis, Susan Zwycewicz, and Paul, six grandchildren: Jay O’Meara, William O’Meara, Nicholas Zwycewicz, Sammie Zwycewicz, Daniel Faulkner and Emily Faulkner, a brother, Irvine, and a nephew, Alan. Joe was a tireless advocate for those less fortunate than he, particularly those considered ‘the least of these’ in the Bible. His life was a living testament to placing faith into action, and his influence on those he served will be warmly remembered by countless witnesses who heard him speak passionately the words of Jesus. He graduated from the Academy of Richmond County in Augusta GA, went on to college at Emory University and Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, and The Pennsylvania State University. It was while at Candler School of Theology that he met and married Barbara. He began his ministry in the United Methodist Church in Georgia, later moving his young family to State College to pursue a Ph. D program at Penn State. After the granting of his Doctorate in Sociology in 1958, he spent the next 33 years teaching in the Sociology Department and ended his formal teaching career as Director of the Department of Religious Studies. His tremendous wit gained him teaching accolades and admirers from many generations, and the publishing of his book The Sociology of Humor is perhaps the single best illustration of both his scholarly accomplishments and his engaging personality. Retiring from Penn State in 1991, but never fully ‘retired’ in any traditional sense, he instead channeled his boundless energy to pursue his mission of caring for the poor, culminating with the founding of Centre Volunteers in Medicine in State College, which was an extension of his ministry to those who cannot afford medical insurance. Centre Volunteers in Medicine recently honored his efforts with the formation of The Faulkner Society, which will stand as his legacy in the community. As a longtime member of the congregation at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in State College, he was an associate pastor whose ministering was in constant demand. His eternal optimism about the future of mankind transcended every moment he spent with others, and he used his last breath to share the word of God with members of his retirement community (Ann’s Choice) in Warminster, PA. Visitation will be from 3-6 PM on Sunday, November 6, 2016 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 South Atherton Street, State College. An additional visitation will be from 9-10 AM on Monday, November 7 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 250 East College Avenue, State College. A funeral service will follow at 10:00 AM at the church with Pastors Keith W. Roberts, Dr. John M. Willingham, and Greg Milinovich officiating. Lunch at the church will follow. In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to send contributions to Centre Volunteers in Medicine, 2520 Green Tech Drive, State College PA 16803. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.