August 28, 2019

I worked for Emerald many years ago in a satellite office. Dr. B was quite a character and was always welcoming to me when I came to town. He had great charisma – he was authentic and really easy to connect with. I lost my dad to brain cancer in 1995 so I can empathize with the difficult circumstances his family went through and my heart goes out to all of them, as well as his extended Emerald family. He will be greatly missed 🙏
Mike Steinberg

August 17, 2019

Dear Mrs. Besecker, Jeb, Eric, Suzanne, Kristin and Karla,
Dr. Besecker was well loved and will be missed by many.  What a beautiful tribute written in his honor! I think of your family and your parents and I think of music and laughter and great fun.  Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Best regards,
Christine Corcoran Liona

August 14, 2019

42 years ago I had a baby at LGH and needed a pediatrician. A Dr. came in to speak with my roommate and I remember him saying, in answer to her question, that you couldn’t spoil a tiny baby. He told her to answer the baby’s cries as soon as possible so that tiny person would learn that his parent would always respond to his needs. I knew that is who I wanted for my Dr. Over the next 15 years he was our family pediatrician. I was saddened to read of his death in last week’s paper. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Jeannine May

August 14, 2019

To the entire Besecker family,
It was with great sadness that I read the obituary/memorial to the late Joseph Besecker MD.  Dr. B was my children’s doctor from 1965 until 1991.  I trusted him with my newborn babies and he never let us down.  I always felt a sense of relief when leaving the office after some serious illnesses and most not so serious.  His kind gentle mannor was so appreciated by an anxious mother but he could be firm as when my 10 year old argued with him about going to the hospital for treatment. He very patiently explained to the child why it was necessary.  In closing I want to say that Dr. B’s obituary was beautifully written and a wonderful tribute to a wonderful Dr. and gentleman. My condolences to the entire Besecker family. 
Wanda W Hebel

August 14, 2019

To all the family….my thoughts will remain with you, and I will miss your mom and dad.  i have so many memories.  Will see them at the Bridge.
Sincerely  DR.P

August 13, 2019

To Jeb and your entire family, you have my deepest sympathy on the loss of your father. He has touched so many lives with his profession, but also his kindness and ability along with your mother to raise such great kids. I know the mutual respact and pride you all shared with each other, and how much he loved you all along with his grandchildren. He will be missed and always remembered as the great man he was. I’m sorry I could not attend the services for him as I was traveling to Arizona for Spacefest in Tucson. May he Rest in Peace and may God Bless his soul. Peace be with you and your family during these difficult days…. 
Mark Usciak

August 13, 2019

It was truly a great honor today to be on the team to fold the flag for a veteran who exemplified compassion, courage, commitment, humility and more! As I folded my section, my memory folded inside. As our Commander presented, I remembered the end of the salutation……”honorable and faithful service….May God comfort you and all the family through this time of sadness.  The words of the Navy Hymn:
“Eternal Father, strong to save ,
whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bidd’st the mighty deep,
It’s own appointed limits keep.
Oh hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea! Amen.
Eternal Father, lend Thy grace To
those  with wings who fly thro’ space,
Thro wind and storm, thro’ sun and rain,
Oh bring them safely home again.
Of Father, hear an humble prayer,
For those in peril in the air! Amen.
Oh Trinity of love and pow’r,
Our brethren shield in danger’s hour,
From rock and tempest, fire and foe,
Protect them where so e’er they go.
Thus evermore shall rise to Thee
Glad hymns of praise from land and sea!Amen.
“Semper fortis” “Always courageous”
 
Karen Michener

August 13, 2019

Penn Staters mourn the loss of a great Nittany Lion.  Centre County smiles at the impact in this world of one of its beloved sons.  The fishing village of Spruce Creek will wet a line in perpetuity for a true sportmans and wonderful friend of the earth.
Dr. B showed all of us how to live our lives with courage, love, loyalty, justice, respect, honesty, hope, personal accountability, humility, trustworthiness, and compassion.  He demonstrated how to raise great kids by focusing intensely on love and respect for Mrs. B… and the kids have followed his lead.  He met the call to live in the image of likeness of Jesus Christ, for he worked hard to develop his skills, then used them to better the lot for all kids and adults he encountered.  He exemplified what it is to live an “extraordinarily ordinary life” – just as we are called to do by God.  It was never about him… it was about others.
Today is a great day for Dr. B, for he has been called to eternal life, a just reward for a life well lived… and well played.  And today is an important day for all of his grandkids, for they have blessed as witnesses of how to live life.  Today is a day for each of them to accept the responsibility demonstrated by Dr. B and go change the world for the better.
Eternal light will shine upon him.  Onward & Upward, Dr. B.
One of the Many, Many Men of Joe Paterno’s Grand Experiment

August 12, 2019

It was an honor to meet Dr. Besecker when working in the newborn nursery @ St. Joseph Hospital from 1970–1973.  We would bring the babies in their little plastic crib to a window between the office and nursery for him to examine his tiny patients.  He was always kind and considerate.  My deepest sympathy to his wife and family. 
Phyllis Pullan

August 12, 2019

Dear Besecker family,
I am so sorry for the passing of Dr. B.  He was my pediatrician for many years. I fondly remember his gentle manner-especially when my shots were due. I hated leaving the practice because I had gotten too old. He was very special. He touched so many lives. 
 
Elaine Scherger

August 12, 2019

Everyone has a heavy ❤️ by losing such a nice man.  Jeb, I remember 8th grade trip to Gettysburg and your dad drove.  We had a great day because he made sure we did.  I was one of the lucky ones to get to ride with him.  Then when I was told my son at the age of 2 had a heart murmur I went to your dad for a 2nd opinion.  He was right no heart murmur.
He is with God and overjoyed.  Loved ones have the hard time being left behind.  Keep hold of the memories.
I will be thinking of the family often and keep all of you in my prayers.
LOVE TO ALL
Fran Becker Urban

August 12, 2019

Dear Besecker family,
While visiting one of our daughters and her family in Wisconsin, we heard that Joe had died. Al and I want you to know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Having your Mom and Dad as neighbors and wonderful friends for almost fifty years, watching you, their children grow up, and the wonderful times we shared while Al accompanied Lynne as she sang so many songs throughout those years, are memories we will cherish. And your Dad was always her proud supporter.  We will miss him.
Al and Peggy Schulz

August 12, 2019

Dear Besecker family,  I remember your dad very fondly as I was there a lot in high school with Suzanne. He was always very kind, genuine, and welcoming. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Sincerely, Frank & Lisa Sahd

August 12, 2019

Dear Besecker family,
  So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Hoping that you find comfort in all the years and happy memories you shared together.  Holding your family in our hearts and prayers during this difficult time.
With sympathy from your former neighbor,
Abby Kent Flythe and family

August 11, 2019

To all the  Besecker family,
I was so very sorry to read about your Dad’s passing. He had the most wonderful, wry, sense of humor. I was fortunate to have been in many Actors ‘ Company productions with your mother, dear Lynne. She was very proud of all of you, but your dad used to come to the Green Room, late for most shows, and tell her not to brag, and then add more stories about you. He teased your mother unmercifully about some of her greatest roles. I especially remember his barbs about her fantastic performance “A Pineapple for Me” in Cabaret. He did not usually attend all of a performance, but made sure we all knew he would be expecting us in the Rathskeller of your home after the show.  He was a great promoter of the arts and a wonderful supporter of your mother and her talents. They were a great couple. I hope you have many memories to sustain you at this sad time. 
Sincerely, Jane Pippart-Brown

August 11, 2019

Oh my, how memories came rushing back, when I saw Dr. Besecker’s obituary in today’s newspaper.  Our condolences to his loving family from my family who have been blessed by Dr, Besecker’s care.  Our oldest is 57 and our youngest is 47 and he was the Dr. in charge if our 4 children.  Our youngest was seriously ill on New Year’s day 39 years ago, and without hesitation, Dr. Besecker met us at the emergency room.  Too many stories to tell but we are ever so grateful to a MOST dedicated Dr. He was a vital part of our family for many, many years, until we “outgrew” him.  Lloyd and Judith Scalyer

August 10, 2019

I had a tightness in my chest when I saw Karla’s post. I exclaimed, “Oh GOD!” I told my husband, My Uncle Joe passed away today!
My heart broke for my Aunt Lynn & my cousins and their families.
We are unable to make the services due to medical appointments ourselves. Uncle Joe, because of the way he was, would want us to take care of our health first.
Our prayers are with our families in this sad time. Uncle Joe fought valiantly. May God bless and be by your sides for comfort
Lisa (Besecker) and Michael Spatola

August 10, 2019

Dear Jeb,Eric,Suzanne,Kristen,and Karla and Lynne,
We met Joe when he started taking care of our kids when we returned to Lancaster.  We became friends, and spent many hours with both of them over the years.  They were there the day we moved into our first home in Lancaster, making us feel so very welcome! I remember the time he walked in a snow storm from his house to ours because Matt was sick! He was a very devoted Physician, and a proud and loving Dad! You already know what a great man he was! You should be very proud of the example he provided for your children.
Paul and I will not be able to attend the service, but I will be there in spirit! Our love to all of you for all the years of babysitting!  Paul and Carol Grosh

August 10, 2019

Dear Besecker Family – please accept my condolensences to your family as you grieve for your husband, father, grandfather, and friend.  Dr. Besecker cared for my two sons at Roseville and Dr. B always provided great care for the children and showed sincere interest in their father’s grave illness.  Dr. B always made the doctor’s visit educational, especially for first-time parents.  Dr. B’s obituary certainly gave us all a keen insight into the great individual that he was.  He is and will be sorely missed by many.  Our faith in God provides us with comfort, peace and strength during this time.  God’s blessings upon all of you! 
Nancy Marshall, sons, Ben & Dan

August 09, 2019

Dear Jeb, Eric, Suzanne, Kristen and Karla:
We were so sorry to learn from Mom of your father’s passing.  He lived a long and wonderful life, and no doubt in later years thoroughly enjoyed quality time with his adult children and grandchildren.  Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Wishing you all the best.
Your former neighbor,
Marshall Kent

August 09, 2019

Kristen and Karla, I read your father’s obituary in Wednesday’s paper and I recalled when you two were in 6th grade.  I don’t think either of you were in my class, but I remember a 6th grade trip to the zoo in D.C.. One of you had bought a very large round lollipop and we were standing in front of the llama enclosure, when the animal reached forward and took a bite out of your lolli!  Do you recall that? 
I am sure someone in the family wrote that obit, because it was written beautifully and with much love. He was a great man, a wonderful doctor, and obviously much loved by Lancaster.
Laura Shaida

August 09, 2019

We were saddened to learn of Joe’s passing. He menat a great deal to Lancaster’s medical history. He was a wonderful teacher and left a strong imprint of the family practice residency program at the General Hospital. He was recognized for his support and commitment to medical education and patient care and was a well-deserved recipient of the prestigous Henry S. Wentz Award. Diana and I will always remember him fondly.
May his memory be eternal.
Nik Zervanos, M.D.

August 09, 2019

Dr. Besecker was the greatest doctor. Not only was he my doctor when I was little, he was also my son’s pediatrician when he was little out at Roseville. He always had a great smile! i can remember him coming to my house when I had Scarlet fever back in the day when doctors made house calls. With deepest sympathy, Tina Spinello Long.

August 09, 2019

With Deepest Sympathy at your loss. Dr. Besecker was one of our daughter Kristine’s pediatrician at Roseville Pediatrics.  Kenneth, Evelyn and Kristine Miller 

August 08, 2019

I’m  so saddened to hear of Dr. B’s passing.  My heart goes out to the family, my sympathies to all. Dr. B was my children’s doctor in 1982 and on for all 3. My children loved him. My daughter felt so comfortable with Dr. B and really didn’t want anyone else. At that time it was Besecker, Hutcheson, Price and Tift. I remember when Dr. B told me my son “was 110% boy and he will be 2 steps in front of me”. All my children loved him.  I never knew he was in the Navy. I hope you would consider a veteran’s  tribute.  God bless and give you comfort and peace.
Karen Deist Michener

August 08, 2019

So sorry for your loss.  Your family is in my prayer.  I worked with Lynn for many years at Manor Care and only met Dr. B one time but what an impression he left on me.  He was a wonderful man.
Penny Stokes

August 08, 2019

What a beautiful tribute. You were so blessed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Mike and Nancy Johnston

August 08, 2019

Sorry for the loss of your father.  He was a good doctor and a good man.  We appreciated everything he did to help our family over the years. 
Fran & Lisa Haefner

August 08, 2019

Sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad Joe, I am sure he will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with you and your family.   Ann and Norman McGreevy

August 08, 2019

Sorry to hear about the death of Dr. Besecker,please give my deepest condolence to Joe’s and the family from Boo,Mike,Terri,Patti and my mom.Your family is in my prays 

August 07, 2019

Sorry to learn of Dr.Joes passing. Our kids loved him!!
Phyllis Moberg Hohman

August 07, 2019

Dr. Besecker was my pediatrician doctor at Roseville Pediatrics. As a child, he helped to save my life. He was kind, encouraging and yet firm when it called for. I have never met another doctor like him other than his colleague Dr. Price. For me I think fondly on Dr. B. He will forever live on in all that he touched with his kindness and care. We are praying for your family and he will be greatly missed.
Tina Myers Beam 

August 07, 2019

To the Family and Friends of Dr. Besecker, my deepest sympathy to all of you. One of our Children, now grown, was a patient of Dr. Besecker, and what I remember most, about the Dr., was that he was so kind to this embarrassed, young Mom, when she did not know all the milestone dates in her Child’s early life. M. Lapp

August 07, 2019

So sorry to hear of Dr B.’s passing.  My thoughts and prayers are with his wonderful family! 
Celina Grau

August 07, 2019

Kristen & Karla,
I am so sorry for the loss of your father. 
Tracey Metze Rupp (Wheatland Jr. High classmate)

August 07, 2019

We’re are so sorry to hear about Dr. B’s passing. He was my pediatrician as well as our pediatrician for both our children. We absolutely adored him and were always grateful for his wise words and guidance. May your grief be tempered by the knowledge that he helped and healed many and may your tears of sorrow turn to tears of joy as you remember his life and all the love it brought. Richard and Lori Keller

August 07, 2019

 
Dear Family, 
 
I can’t even imagine where to begin. Dr B was our pediatrician for our 8 children beginning in 1976. Our trust and respect for him was incredible as he walked with us through our journey. He was loved by our family. I was raised in State College and our first apartment and we was in Pleasant Gap. We all loved PSU football. With our first born, after a report of a serious finding with his kidneys, he was so kind and said “let me finish up here at noon and I will go down to the radiology dept and check the scans myself. On a Saturday,  he went down to LGH, checked the scans and called us back !! He viewed them with a different interpretation. We then went to children’s (CHOP) and he was correct. He was an amazing blessing in our lives as we raised our children.  Often he would talk about his family when we were in the office. It seemed like every week we were in!!!  
 
Steve and I participated in Bill Hutchison’s service after he passed.  It felt like family whenever we were around them. 
 
We will be praying for each of you as you continue to do life without Dr B’s presence here on earth.  We are so sorry for your loss.  We ask the Lord to walk with you and hold you close during this time. 
 
           God Bless You,  Steve & Joyce Cote

August 07, 2019

My dear Jeb, while I only met your father once or twice during my extended participation in the Emerald family, it was clear that he was beloved by all.  My father died when I was 17, so I know the pain that a father’s death can bring.  At least your father had enough years to see his family mature and enjoy his grandchildren.  As I thank god that my next birthday, should I make it, will be the 90th, I know that his later years were brightened by seeing his wonderful family expand and prosper. My deepest condolonces to you and Martha. Jerry Zoffer

August 07, 2019

The Lancaster County Medical community has lost a valued member. Doctor “B” provided compassionate care for 5 of our children and 1 of our grandchildren. He also provided understanding and knowledge to us while we negotiated the rearing of a child with learning difficulties at a time when little was known about the condition. We know he was a mentor to many other parents in the same situation. Our thoughts are with his family at this most difficult time. May he now rest in peace.
Trent & Linda Delp

August 07, 2019

Joe and Kristin,  Sorry to hear about Dr. B  People would be lucky to have lived a life as he did. He lived a long and wonderful life. Take care of each other and Joe, I am here for you and your family if you need anything..  Joe  DeMora

August 07, 2019

So sorry for your loss. All our love Donna and Gavin Isaacs

August 07, 2019

Sad news, condolences from the Reid family.  I knew Dr. B as a rational medical analyst.  I always loved his salience, flexibility, and ingenuity.  Sorry, we can’t be there to celebrate a life that has brought so much to so many.
Alan Reid – Freedom WY

August 07, 2019

My thoughts and prayers are with all of the wonderful Besecker family at this sad time.
Penny Stokes-Hilton

August 07, 2019

Joe Raye and I just learned of your Dads death. Are prayers are with you and Martha and your family. Jerry Johnson 

August 07, 2019

To Joe’s Family,
I was privileged to know Joe as a member of the Spruce Creek Rod and Gun Club.  Joe was a fine and gentle man, a good fly fisherman, and, though not mentioned in his lovely obituary, a pretty good poker player in our friendly games at the club.    I was there for his last visit in early April.  It was a heroic effort for Joe to attend that evening, accompanied by his son-in-law.  He wasn’t well enough to climb the stairs to the Club Room, so we organized a poker game on the first floor.  Joe was a winner that night, which pleased him and even some of us who lost a nickel or two.  Joe surely knew this was his last poker game.  His stoic attitude on that visit was an example for us all.  We will miss this fine man and friend.  My condolences go to all of you in his family.
Gene O’Sullivan

August 07, 2019

Lynne,
May our Lord, who knows your sorrow, bring peace, comfort and healing to you. I will never ever forget the kindness you both showed me.
IRENE MARTIN (APONTE)
 

August 07, 2019

Our deepest condolences
Kenny Myers & sons, Suzanne Myers & Kegel’s Produce

August 07, 2019

In 1970 Dr. Besecker saved my daughter’s life and I have never stopped being thankful to him.  She was taken to LGH by ambulance while being given mouth to mouth resuscitation.  She had brain, liver and kidney damage and was not expected to make it through the night. Two days later she was running down the halls.  Her name is Connie King and she is now the most wonderful wife, mother, daughter and architect.  You probably don’t still have it, but we gave him a ceramic Santa Claus that my mother had made as a thank you.  I will be forever thankful that he was there.  My thoughts are with you all.  Losing such a wonderful man is not easy.  Pat (King) Boxleitner.
Pat Boxleitner

August 07, 2019

Lynne – it’s been ages since I’ve seen you and since we did Mame together at the Fulton.  I read this beautiful tribute to your husband and my heart goes out to you and your family.  What an incredible life you all had together!  May peace be with you. 
Nancy Zimmerman

August 07, 2019

Dear Lynne and Family,
My deepest sympathy in the loss of Joe.  Despite the passing years, he will always be a dear friend and our children’s finest pediatrician.  Keeping you all close in our thoughts and prayers.
Much love,
Debbie Everett, North Andover, MA

August 07, 2019

I am sorry for your loss. I can still remember Dr. Besecker getting down on his knees to box with me during my visits. 
Edward (Ted) Chapple
 

August 06, 2019

I had the pleasure and privilege of knowing Dr. B. for more than 15 years.  He was an uplifting, noble, and regal gentleman with a kind demeanor, characteristic of people who grew up in the 30s and 40s.  Although he was a no nonsense guy, he had a small streak of mischief-ness that would manifest itself periodically for all to enjoy.  Anybody lucky enough to cross paths with him found themselves the better for it.   As the namesake and the Father of the Father of Emerald, he was to many of us an awe-inspiring figure.  I don’t doubt for a minute that he was, and forever will be, blessed by God, as the rest of us have been blessed to have known him.
Scott Blumenthal