Joseph F. Dengler, Jr., 43

Joseph F. Dengler, Jr., 43, of Lancaster, died at Essa Flory Hospice Center on Wednesday, November 7, 2007 following a battle with cancer.

Born in Lancaster, he was married to Jodie L. (Swavely) Dengler for 22 years.

Joseph was a 1982 graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School, and was a life member of Boy Scout Troop 105 of West Willow, where he had been an assistant Scout Master. He was employed at RR Donnelly as a Roll Tender for 5 years, and had previously worked 3 years at Certified Carpet and 9 years at Apria Healthcare as a Service Technician. A member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, he served on the church decorating committee.

A Veteran of Desert Storm and the Persian Gulf War, Joseph was a Sergeant serving in the US Marine Corps with the VMA-542 Unit as a plane captain and AV-8B Harrier jet mechanic.  While in the Marines, Joseph did a tour of Japan and traveled to Norway, Alaska and Germany.

Joseph enjoyed hunting and fishing, and loved spending time with his family.

In addition to his wife, Joseph is survived by a son, Christopher S. at home; two daughters: Elizabeth H. and Stephanie M., both at home; parents, Joseph F. Sr. and Victoria G. (Pitz) Dengler of Lancaster; a sister, Shari L. Gamber, married to Eric of Lancaster; a brother, Mike Dengler of Philadelphia, and parents-in-law: Jean and Jay Swavely of Lancaster.

Our family would like to thank Dr. Alan Davis and his staff for all the professionalism and caring during Joseph’s illness.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 119 S. Prince St., Lancaster, PA, with Rev. Allen Wolfe as Celebrant. A viewing will be held on Saturday from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home, 441 N. George St., Millersville, PA. Please omit flowers; memorial contributions may be sent to Jeff Musser Foundation, 200 Willow Valley Square, Lancaster, PA 17602.