Joseph R Nixon

Joe is survived by Pat Nixon, his wife and best friend of 48 years, his children, of whom he was very proud, and their spouses: Colleen and Rick Kerstetter, James and Tina Nixon, Michael and Marcia Nixon, and Kathleen and Nicolas Schmid and his grandchildren, whom he loved very much: Abraham, Rachael (with whom Grandpa Joe shared a birthday), Nicholas, Miles, Miranda, Matthew, Hannah, Andrew, Carleen, and William.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents: Joseph R. Nixon, Sr. and Hazel and Larry Helman (stepfather) and his sister Mary Ziegler.

Joe graduated from John Harris H.S. After which, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy to see the world. Ironically, he spent most of his service stationed in Washington D.C. and Adak, Alaska where he served as a radioman.

After the Navy, Joe started his career in sales. He worked for a variety of companies many of which specialized in computer equipment and online learning. For several years he worked for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of General Services where he specialized in procurement and the development of an RFP process for the commonwealth.

Joe and his partner founded an association for women and minority owned businesses who marketed to the Commonwealth. He was very proud of the assistance they provided to the association members.

Joe’s love of sports permeated his life. He enjoyed playing basketball (He could still dunk at age 50!), tennis and especially golf. His greatest joy, however, was watching his grandchildren play whatever sport they were into. He also loved pro and college sports. Whenever the Phillies or Sixers or former Redskins were on, Joe was glued to the TV. He had 2 TVs in his den so he wouldn’t miss a game.

Joe loved spending time with his family and friends. He always had a story to tell. He was famous for saying “I just have one more funny story to tell you!”

Joe and his love of family, friends, sports and stories will be sorely missed.

Joe’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the team members in Messiah Lifeways Enhanced Living, Wagner and Greenwood neighborhoods and the Homeland Hospice team for the excellent care they provided Joe during his illness.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a contribution to your favorite charity in Joe’s memory or just enjoy a meal with your loved ones and raise a glass to Joe.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 on November 23, 2024 in the Hostetter Enrichment Center, Messiah Village, 100 Mt Allen Drive, Mechanicsburg.

Interment will be private.