Joseph N. Kercsmar

Joseph N. Kercsmar , 73, of E. Princeton Avenue, Palmerton, PA, died early Thursday evening, February 20, 2025, at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Twp.  He was the husband of Joann M. (DeSousa) Kercsmar since June 26, 1976.  Born in Palmerton, he was the son of the late Joseph and Alverna (Shellhammer) Kercsmar.

Joe was a class of 1970 graduate of the Palmerton High School, and furthered his education at NCACC.  Joseph was employed for 43.5 years by the Borough of Palmerton, retiring in 2014.  He also served as EMA Coordinator for the Borough of Palmerton.  He began his work as a general laborer for the borough continuing as Waste Water Manager, and finally as Street/Road Supervisor.  Most recently he was a board member of the Palmerton Municipal Water Authority.  A lifelong member of the Palmerton Vol. Fire Co., he worked his way up from junior firefighter in 1968, to becoming Fire Chief of both Departments #1, and #2 W/E.  Joe enjoyed the outdoors especially deer hunting with his son and friends in PA, and other states.

Survivors: Wife.  Son, Michael J. and wife Susannah of Bethlehem.  Sister, Nancy C. Reinhart of Telford.  Many nieces and nephews.

Services: 11:00 a.m., Thursday, February 27, 2025, Campton Funeral Home 525 Delaware Avenue, Palmerton, PA 81071.  Call, 7:00-8:30 p.m., Wednesday, and 10:00-11:00 a.m., Thursday in the funeral home.  Interment, Sacred Heart New Cemetery, Stoney Ridge Road, Palmerton.  Online Condolences may be left for the family at: www.schislerfuneralhomes.com .

Contributions: Palmerton Municipal Fire Department, 508 5th Street, Palmerton, PA 18071, or, Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, 200 S. Park Road, Suite 100, Hollywood, FL 33021.