Dec 26, 2018

On Tuesday, December 25, 2018, Joseph Edward Schoenholtz of New Eagle passed away at 87, surrounded by his family, as he went to be with the Lord.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Elizabeth Yanko Schoenholtz; brothers and sisters, Wesley Hines, Lovella Galiotto, Lois Burrows, Roy Schoenholtz, Loren Schoenholtz and Joyce Ann Vernet.

He is survived by his five children, Barbara Wood, Jane (Charles) Donaldson, Joseph (Dao) Schoenholtz, Paul (Benjamaporn) Schoenholtz and Ethel (Gregory) Minkus; grandchildren, Carl Donaldson, Kaitlyn Whitfield, Ashley McCombs, Benjamin Poroda, Sean Wood, Margaret and Elizabeth Schoenholtz; and seven great-grandchildren.

Joe was born December 12, 1931, in Belle Vernon, a son of Teemon and Isabelle Kennedy Schoenholtz. On Joe’s 16th birthday, his mother tragically died in his arms on the way to the doctor. After that night, Joe decided to lie about his age and enlist in the U.S. Army. He became a Master Sergeant of the 1st Cavalry/8th Combat Engineers BN. During his service, Joe was wounded in Korea and was awarded the Purple Heart along with many other medals and commendations.

In 1954, he was hired by the Pennsylvania Railroad as a railroad conductor. Joe finally retired in 1998 and became active in the VA in Pittsburgh. He was a 32nd Degree Mason at Henry M. Phillips Lodge, Monongahela.

Joe had a passion for gardening and on a warm, sunny day, you would always know where to find him. He took great pride in growing his garden and teaching others to do the same. He loved growing tomatoes and one summer planted 100 tomato plants. Joe loved his family deeply and took joy in teaching his grandchildren new things. He will always be remembered for his wisdom, humor and huge heart. Joe will be missed by so many, especially his family. His loved ones take comfort in knowing Joe is at peace and has finally been reunited with his loving wife.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in Parzynski Funeral Home & Cremations, Family Owned and Operated, 626 Broad Avenue, Belle Vernon, 724-929-6183. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, December 28, in the funeral home, with Pastor Matthew Stabe of Grace Lutheran Church, Monongahela, officiating. Interment with military honors will take place in Belle Vernon Cemetery. Condolences are accepted at www.parzynskifuneralhome.com.