Joseph Edward Shevchik, 72, of Ebensburg, passed away unexpectedly on June 21, 2026, while on a fishing trip with friends who had become family through decades of shared adventures.

Born October 15, 1953, in Pittsburgh, Joe was the son of the late Michael and Margaret (Stofko) Shevchik. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elaine (Drelick) Shevchik, and his brother, Robert Shevchik. Joe passed away alongside one of his closest life-long friends, Kevin Benzenhoefer, with whom he shared one final fishing trip.

Joe is survived by his loving daughter, Heather (David) Shevchik-O'Brien, whose life was a constant source of pride and joy. He was a proud ‘Papa’ to Brynn, Gavin, and Torin, finding great happiness in sharing his knowledge and teaching by example. He treasured every moment with his grandchildren, embracing each stage of their young lives with boundless love, quiet patience, and a heart full of pride. To his daughter and grandchildren, he passed on life-long traditions such as fishing trips to Presque Isle Bay in Erie, riding around the land and seeing ‘critters’ at the farm, and enjoying time around the campfire at Hammersley Outpost. He is also survived by his brothers, Michael and Grant Shevchik, his sister, Margaret Soles, and his many cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, other extended family, and lifelong friends.

To know Joe was to know a man who found joy outdoors, in the company of family and friends, and in the satisfaction of working with his hands. The Shevchik Family Farm, purchased by his parents in the early 1970s, was his sanctuary. Whether he was sitting down at the pond, walking in the woods, climbing into his tree stand, hunting, fishing, making maple syrup, “cocktail time", or simply enjoying the quiet beauty of the land, the Farm was home in every sense of the word. At home in Ebensburg, he enjoyed playing tennis, card nights with friends, and tending to his honeybees. 

Joe was the kind of man who could fix almost anything. A car. A meal. A drink. Sometimes even a friend's problem. He was always ready to help with steady hands and practical wisdom. He was endlessly curious, always tinkering, always improving something, and happiest when working with his hands.

His lifelong love of automobiles included working on his treasured Shelby Mustang, a project he worked on until his last days, and his beloved Toyota Land Cruiser, a college graduation gift that saw its share of adventures and misadventures with friends over the years. Joe was an avid lifelong learner whose curiosity led him around the world, traveling to Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Honduras, the Bahamas, throughout Canada, and across the United States in search of new experiences and the beauty of the outdoors. A proud Penn State graduate and lifelong Nittany Lions fan, blue and white ran deep in Joe's heart. Joe’s love of animals was shown with his relationship with his four-legged companion, Penny, whom he brought everywhere. She has spent countless hours in the truck beside her best friend traveling, boat riding while ‘fishing’, hunting birds, chasing chipmunks, and being spoiled in every possible way. 

Friendship was one of the greatest joys of Joe's life. He cherished Thursday card nights, tennis with friends in the Greater Johnstown Tennis Association and Ebensburg Tennis Center, countless hunting and fishing trips, and the camaraderie of EFESEE III, celebrating 50 years as a member this year. In the late 1990s, Joe, Kevin, and Mike "Twig" Miller built the Hammersley Outpost from the ground up with the help of family and friends. More than "Camp," it became a gathering place where lifelong traditions were made, stories were shared, the world's problems solved, and friendships that spanned decades continued to grow.

Joe retired in January 2014 after 27 years of dedicated service as District Conservationist with the United States Department of Agriculture, where he formed many lasting friendships with cherished coworkers. He was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church in Ebensburg.

Joe was quiet, steady, and deeply loving. Heather always knew she was loved. His grandchildren will remember a Papa who was loving and eager to share his knowledge and his appreciation for the outdoors. His friends will remember the laughter, the stories, and the man who always seemed able to make things better. 

Joe believed in valuing the good days, weathering the storms, and simply doing what needed to be done. His greatest legacy lives on in the people, places, and traditions he loved most.

More than anything else, Joe was simply a good man. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

Friends will be received from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, July 5 at the Askew-Houser Funeral Homes, Inc., Ebensburg.  Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 6 at Holy Name Catholic Church, the Rev. Brian Warchola, celebrant. Interment, Calvary Cemetery,  Oil City, PA. Condolences may be left for the family at www.askew-houser.com.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Johnstown Tennis League at Greater Johnstown Tennis Association (GJTA), c/o: Parag Darahmula, Treasurer, 2114 Hayden Drive, Johnstown, PA 15905 and Kettle Creek Hose Company 1 at P.O. Box 288, Cross Fork, PA 17729-0288.