Joe Chewcaskie, 78, passed away on Sunday, August 16th, 2026.

Joe was a man whose life was defined not simply by the family he was born into, but by the family he built through a lifetime of friendship, loyalty, laughter, and love.

The great love of Joe's life was his wife, Bonnie, who was truly his soulmate and best friend. Her passing in June 2014 left a space in Joe's heart that could never be filled. Those who knew them understood just how special their relationship was, and there is comfort in imagining the two of them finally together again.

Joe was also blessed with friendships that became family. He shared an especially close friendship with Ed and Kay Forsberg, who considered Joe one of their very best friends. Before his passing, Ed asked his son, Brad, to promise that he would always look after "Uncle Joe."

It was a promise Brad was honored to keep—but somewhere along the way, it stopped feeling like a promise and simply became family.

Brad and his wife, Summer, along with their daughters, Milania and London, adopted Uncle Joe as their own. Joe became part of the rhythm of their lives: countless dinners together, holidays around the same table, family gatherings, conversations, laughter, and memories that will remain with them forever. He wasn't related to them by blood, but no one in the family ever needed that distinction. He was Uncle Joe.

Joe also remained very close with his brother-in-law, Don Logan, and Don's wife, Betsy, sharing a bond that continued long after the loss of Joe's beloved wife.

And when Joe wasn't spending time with the people he loved, one of his favorite places to be was on the water. He especially treasured his fishing trips in the Florida Keys with his best friend, Ed. Those trips brought Joe tremendous happiness and created stories and memories that will undoubtedly be told for years to come.

Joe's life is a reminder that family isn't always determined by a last name or a family tree. Sometimes family is created over dinners and holidays, fishing trips and conversations, promises kept, friendships that span decades, and simply showing up for one another year after year.

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

For those fortunate enough to have called him a friend, he was family. For Brad, Summer, Milania, and London, he will forever be Uncle Joe.

And while saying goodbye is difficult, there is peace in believing that after twelve long years apart, Joe is finally back where his heart has always belonged—beside his soulmate and best friend.

There will be a graveside service held in Lancaster Cemetery at 1:00 PM Monday, August 31, 2026  where he will eternally rest with his wife, Bonnie, officiated by Rev. Butch Pennington.  Ramsey-Young Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.