Joseph “Joe” Pete passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at the age of 85.
Joe Pete was born on June 2, 1940, in Lebanon, PA, to Peter John Pete and Pauline Rose (Loddo) Pete. He attended and graduated from Lebanon Catholic High School, where he was actively involved in athletics, playing football, basketball, and baseball, nicknamed “Joey, the Jet.” Shortly after graduation, he attended LaSalle University briefly before enlisting in the U.S. Army. He served overseas in France, supporting the Army’s Finance Branch in post-WWII Europe.
After his return, Joseph was employed by the First National Bank while he also coached the St. Mary’s Grade School Boys Jayvees. During this time, he met his future wife, Ann Frances Kirkwood. Joe and Ann were married on Sept. 6, 1969, in Lebanon. They spent their marriage making memories with their family at 217 Mifflin St. — a home filled with laughter and love. Joe and Ann celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary shortly before her passing on Dec. 7, 2021.
He loved to watch and chat about sports, being an enthusiastic follower of his favorite Philadelphia teams: the Eagles, Phillies, Seventy Sixers, Flyers, and Penn State. Joe enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his beloved wife, Ann, and outings with his children and sisters. Joseph retired from Penn National after more than 32 years. He was an active member of the St. Cecilia’s Parish of Lebanon and a man of unwavering faith.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann (Kirkwood) Pete; son, Andrew Pete; youngest daughter, Mary; and older brother, John James Pete. He is survived by his sisters, Lucy (Pete) Reigle, Ruthann (Pete) Nelson, and Teresa (Pete) Dowling, of Myerstown; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Joe was the father of Carolyn Pete, of Lebanon, PA, Anthony Pete (Cassandra), of Hummelstown, PA, and James Pete, of Portsmouth, RI; and the grandfather to Matthew, Alex, Nyla, Nora, Isabella, William, Victor, and Samantha.
Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at St. Cecilia’s Church, 202 E. Lehman St., Lebanon, PA 17046. Interment will follow at St. Gertrude’s Cemetery. Viewing hours will be held prior to Mass from 10-11 a.m. at the church.
Thompson Funeral Home Inc. is entrusted with the arrangements. The family welcomes your memories and messages in Thompson Funeral Home’s online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com.
