Joseph H. Esbenshade, Sr, 84, of Lancaster, PA, passed away on Tuesday, June 9 ^th in Elkton, MD after a lengthy illness.

Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Jacob H. and Maude Zeamer Esbenshade. He was married to Geraldine H. Mummert Esbenshade for 57 years. For the past 50 years, they have spent their summers in Charlestown Manor, MD.

Joe had worked for the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board as a store manager.

A World War II US Army veteran, he served in the Eighth Armored Division in the European Theater. He was a member of the Veterans of the Battle of The Bulge, a life member of the American Legion Post 34, and a life member of VFW Post 7294 in Millersville.

He was a member of Grace United Church of Christ in Lancaster.

A Master Mason with Lamberton Lodge 476 F&A Masons, Joe was a life member of the Lancaster Lodge of Perfection, a 32 ^nd degree Mason in the Reading Consistory, a member of the Lancaster County Shrine Club, the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, and the Rajah Shriners of Reading.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Joseph H. Jr married to Brenda Esbenshade of Tuscon, AZ; his daughter Diane M. Kurtz of Lancaster; 3 grandchildren: Joseph H. III, and Brandon and Logan Kurtz, and a stepgrandson Kevin Ruhl. He is also survived by a brother, J. Fred Esbenshade of Ephrata. Joe was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Jacob, James and Robert and a sister, Esther Warfel.

Friends may call on Friday, June 12th from 1-2PM at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home and Chapel, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA. There will be a Masonic funeral service at 2PM, with the memorial service to follow immediately with the Rev Rachel Hackenberg officiating. Interment in the Landis Valley Mennonite Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Joe's memory to Hospice of Lancaster County, 685 Good Dr., Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125. To send an online condolence, please visit www.snyderfuneralhome.com