Joseph W. Packer, Jr.

Joseph W. Packer, Jr. passed peacefully into our Lord’s arms at his home in West Brandywine Township, PA on March 25, 2024. He is survived by the love of his life, and wife of 73 years, Diane. And, by his two beloved daughters, Carol and Susan (Albert) Koenig. He is also survived by 10 nieces and nephews, and one cousin. Joe was one of five boys born to Mary R. Leahan and Joseph W. Packer, Sr. He was predeceased by his parents and four brothers, Jack, Edson, Randy and Bob. And, by his very special granddaughter and our angel, Emily Grace Koenig. 

Joe and Diane met in 1950 in Havertown while commuting into Philadelphia for work. Joe was a gentleman and offered Diane his seat on the trolley. In exchange, she offered to hold the books he carried for night school. Joe eventually earned a degree from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He served in the Army (1951–1953) at Ft Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. In 1951, as an engaged (and brave) young woman, Diane flew across country to Alaska in a series of prop planes to marry Joe. They were wedded in a humble Quonset hut on the base. While in Anchorage for over a year, they enjoyed spear fishing, camping and flying with friends who owned a seaplane business. 

Joe was a banking executive. He started as a bookkeeper at a small Savings and Loan in Philadelphia. Over a 40-year career, he advanced through the ranks (and several mergers) to become President and Chairman of the Board of Prudential Savings Bank in Philadelphia. Joe also served on the Board of Directors (Finance Committee) at the Methodist Hospital in Philadelphia. Diane was his partner and his rock throughout their long and happy life. Over the years, they enjoyed many friendships and travelling with friends. 

Joe was a gentle soul, humble, kind and considerate, always with a subtle sense of humor. His priorities were his family, and, living a good life, by example. Some qualities included honesty, integrity and respect for others. He was also a generous soul, as some touched by his and Diane’s generosity would attest. 

Joe enjoyed adventures with his four brothers before they each got focused on raising their own families. In the early years. they were volunteer firemen at the Bon Air Fire Company in Havertown. At Christmas, the brothers would meet at John Wanamaker’s in Philadelphia to shop for their wives. (also an opportunity to bond and horse around) 

Joe was a member and treasurer of Siloam United Methodist Church, and frequently an usher. He remains a member of his Masonic Lodge, a charitable organization. Over the years, Joe enjoyed playing tennis, as did Diane and their daughters. Joe also enjoyed poker with the boys. After the move to Hershey’s Mill in late 1998, Joe enjoyed golf with friends and neighbors. He even had a hole-in-one in 2005, marked by a plaque at the Hershey’s Mill golf club. 

Over the years, Joe and his family enjoyed many friendships. The years spent as a family with friends in Ocean City, NJ were special, especially those with Emily.  An enduring friendship has been with the Woodworth’s, a family with seven children (to Joe and Diane’s two). Over the years, Joe trailered his boat to the Sassafras river on weekends. Together, our families enjoyed boating, water skiing, volleyball, and fellowship. And, amazing meals at their families humble cottage.

We are grateful for Joe’s long life, and for his example. And. for Joe and Diane’s enduring love. Also, to dear friends and our extended family for their love. A group of nieces still gather several times a year to celebrate our family and create new memories. The measure of a life is not one’s accomplishments, but, rather their impact on others.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation 10:00-11:00 AM Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at The Donohue Funeral Home, 1627 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA 19382, 610-431-9000, followed by his Funeral Service at 11:00 AM. Interment Birmingham Lafayette Cemetery.

Contributions in Joe's memory may be made to the American Heart Association or to Emily's Dash, https://www.meningitis.org/remembrance-funds/emily-grace-koenig.