Joseph N. LERCH, 78, of Ulysses, PA, died Tuesday, April 14, 2015 in Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre, PA. Born April 18, 1936, in Middletown, PA, he was the son of William and Pauline Updegraff Lerch. On May 15, 2007, in Belmont, NY, he married his companion since 1972, Dorothy M. Stiles Hilfiger, who survives. He was employed as a human resources manager for Bethlehem Steel in Steelton, PA for 36 years, retiring in 1996. Joe was a member of the Sons of the American Legion, life member of the Elks, Loyal Order of the Moose in Wellsville, NY, Middletown Volunteer Fire Company Social Club, and captain of the Inn Zone Hunting Club, which sponsored the Inn Zone Kids Fishing Derby for 14 years. He was captain of his boat, the Dottie Joe, for 30 years in Indian River, DE, where friends and family were always welcome and he showed everyone and excellent time, Bar None. Surviving besides his wife, Dot, are: eight children, Wendy (Mark) Willenbecker of Elizabethtown, PA, Randy (Judy) Lerch of Middletown, PA, Donald W. Hilfiger of Ulysses, Sandra Potter of Ulysses, Bonnie (Terry) Timmerman of Whitesville, NY, Debra (Elwood) Lewis of Ulysses, Pamela (Kevin Davis) Wheaton of Addison, NY, C. John "Goog" (Amanda) Putman Hilfiger of Ulysses, PA; 22 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by three siblings, Suel Hoffman, Harry Lerch, Katherine Hahn; a daughter-in-law, Betty Jo Hilfiger; son-in-law, Howard "Pete" Potter. Friends may call at the Olney Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ulysses, PA on Saturday, April 18, 2015 from 4:00 - 6:00 PM, with a Memorial Service following at 6:00 PM. Mr. Herb Ley will officiate. Burial will be in Ulysses Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ulysses Library, P.O. Box 316, Ulysses, PA 16948 or the Tri-Town Volunteer Ambulance, Ulysses, PA 16948. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfuneralhome.com.
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