Joseph A. Emel, 77, of Kingston, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 23, 2024, after a long and valiant battle with Parkinson's Disease.

Born on November 16, 1947, in Bellefonte, PA, Joseph was the son of the late Joseph L. and Mary A. Emel.

Joseph proudly served his country in the United States Army. He enlisted on October 5, 1967, and was stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey, before serving in Germany. He was honorably discharged on February 7, 1969.

An avid fan of Evergreen Raceway, Joseph enjoyed spending weekends watching the races and cherished fishing trips with his sons. Summers often found Joseph taking family trips to Canada, creating lasting memories of togetherness and adventure.

He was preceded in death by his brothers Perry, Raymond, Herbert, Max, and Melvin; and sisters Rosie, Janet, and Kate.

Joseph is survived by his beloved longtime companion, Edythe L. Vann; his sons Joseph J. Emel and wife Nadine of Larksville, and Louis Emel of Kingston; and his treasured grandchildren Brandon, Alyson, Natalie, Makenzie, Louis Jr., and Piper. He is also survived by his brother Terry, sisters Tina, Dorothy, and Patty, as well as numerous nieces and nephews who will remember him fondly.

A memorial service to celebrate Joseph's life will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Yeosock Funeral Home, 40 S. Main Street, Plains, PA.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff at the Hospice of the Sacred Heart for their compassionate care during Joseph's final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Joseph's memory to support Parkinson's research or the Hospice of the Sacred Heart.