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Joseph “Joe” Hauser

Joseph HauserSeveral times during the last few weeks, Joseph “Joe” Hauser expressed frustration with his illness. “I still have a lot left to offer in life,” Joe said, and it was true. Anyone who ever knew him can tell you that in his 41 years on this Earth, Joe was never short on plans. He was always thinking about a new project around the house, a big change at work, or a way to meet his loved ones’ needs. Joe did still have a lot to offer, for sure. But what he has given will live on. Joe passed way late Friday evening, May 12, 2017 following and 18 month battle with lymphoma.

Born on March 15, 1976 and raised in Erie, Joe was the son of Raymond Hauser Jr. and Laura Mary Reardon Hauser. He graduated from Strong Vincent High School in 1994 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Mercyhurst University in 1998. (But it was the “Happiest Student” award he earned in elementary school that he proudly hung on the wall of his office years later.)

Joe left Erie shortly after college graduation. He married his wife Lisa (McAnallen) at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Butler on August 15, 1998, and the couple chose to settle in the Butler area to start a family.

Joe’s first post-college job was with Community/Mental Health Alternatives, but the bulk of his professional work was with the Irene Stacy Community Mental Health Center, where Joe worked for 16 years and ultimately served as the executive director. His work there paled in comparison to the sense of pride he felt for his family, particularly his children, Samantha, 17, and Dominick, 14.

Over the years, Joe volunteered for the East Brady Youth Football Program, at times serving as the equipment manager or president, and at other times serving refreshments and jokes from the concession stand. He was often found cheering on the sidelines of his children’s football, hockey, soccer, cheerleading, and musical theater activities.

Joe was preceded in death by his beloved wife Lisa, who passed away September 3, 2015 following a courageous, five-year battle with brain cancer. He was also preceded in death by his mother, Laura Mary Reardon Hauser, and father, Raymond John Hauser Jr.

He is survived by his children, Samantha Elizabeth and Dominick Raymond Hauser. Also surviving him are his brother Raymond John Hauser III and his wife Tamara, of Cleveland, TX; sister Heidi Hauser Green and her husband Michael Pittsburgh, PA; stepmother Theresa Hauser Wheeler and her husband Rev. Charles Wheeler Westfield, NY; and his companion Tara Bennett of Bruin; as well as a number of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and close friends.

Loved ones will remember Joe for his strength of character, quick sense of humor, and deal-making savvy. But he might prefer to be remembered for the words found at the end of every email message he sent in recent years: Life is going to have ups and downs, but it’s the humbleness you show in the good moments and the resilience you display in the bad moments that make you who you are.

Friends will be received at the Hile Funeral Home of Karns City, 128 Main St., Karns City, from 10:00 a.m. to noon on Wednesday.

A memorial service will follow from the funeral home at noon with Pastor Paul Debacco of the Criswell Bible Baptist Church, officiating.

A meal will follow at the Bruin Fire Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at www.lls.org.

The family wishes to extend its sincere thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff of Shadyside Hospital for their excellent care during Joe’s fight against Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

For additional information or to send a condolence, please visit www.hilefh.com.

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