Father Joseph T. Scanlin, affectionately known as “Father Joe,” entered eternal rest on July 9, 2026, at the age of 75. Born on April 20, 1951, in Lebanon, PA, he was the beloved son of the late William F. and Madeleine F. Scanlin, formerly of 252 S. 8th St., Lebanon.
Father Joe is survived by his loving siblings, Katherine Shaffer, of Denville, NJ, Michael A. Scanlin, of South Annville, PA, Agatha Neubauer, of Lebanon, PA, and Agnes Tavani, of Lebanon, PA. He was preceded in death by his brother, Buhrman Keim, of Vineland, NJ; and sister, Mary Rakow, of Lebanon, PA.
A graduate of Lebanon Catholic High School and Millersville University, Father Joe answered God’s call to the priesthood by continuing his studies at Pope John XXIII Seminary in Boston, MA. He was ordained a priest for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg in 1989, beginning a ministry that would faithfully serve the people of central Pennsylvania for more than three decades.
Most recently, Father Joe served as Pastor of Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Parish in Elysburg, PA. Before that, he faithfully led St. Cecelia Parish in Lebanon as pastor. Earlier in his priesthood, he served as Pastoral Vicar at St. Joseph Parish in Hanover, PA, St. Patrick Parish in York, PA, and St. Patrick Parish in Carlisle, PA. He also ministered as Chaplain to the communities of Dickinson College and Penn State Dickinson Law in Carlisle, PA.
Father Joe’s priestly ministry was shaped by his unwavering devotion to his Catholic faith and to his family. Those two foundations guided every aspect of his life and every parish he was privileged to serve. He embraced each parish community as an extension of his own family, and in return, the people he served welcomed him with affection and love. His kindness, compassion, steady presence, and pastoral care touched countless lives and created lasting bonds that extended well beyond the walls of the church.
An Eagle Scout, Father Joe carried throughout his life the values of service, integrity, and leadership. In his quiet moments, he found great enjoyment in reading mythological fantasy novels, appreciating the timeless themes of courage, sacrifice, and hope found within their pages. Father Joe was also a firm believer in the therapeutic benefits of “retail shopping” and did more than his share to support the local merchants in every community he served.
Father Joe will be remembered for his gentle spirit, faithful service, warm sense of humor, and genuine concern for others. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, compassion, and selfless ministry that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him. He will be deeply missed by his family, parishioners, friends, and the many communities fortunate enough to have shared in his life and ministry.
May he rest in the eternal peace of Christ whom he served so faithfully.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026, at St. Mary’s Church, Lebanon, PA, preceded by a viewing period from 9-11 a.m., and followed by interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, Lebanon, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Lebanon County, 150 N. Ramona Road, Myerstown, PA 17067.
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.
**Additional parking: Guests can park at the parking lots at Thompson Funeral Home Inc., 126 S. 9th St., Lebanon, PA 17046, or the city of Lebanon free parking lot, 7th and Willow Streets.
