Joseph “Joe” Edward Hamilton, 84, of Chippewa Township, passed away peacefully on October 6th, 2026, at St. Barnabas Beaver Meadows, surrounded by family.
He was born in Reynoldsville on January 17th, 1942, a son of the late Joseph and Lulu (Ecklund) Hamilton.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Druzilla (John) Wilson and James (Kitty) Hamilton.
He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Barbara (Cascio) Hamilton, his daughter, Teresa “Terri” (Dave) Butcher, his son, Joe Jr. (Debbie) Hamilton, his grandchildren: DJ Butcher, Marissa Butcher, Allie (Brent) Perry, Kara (Chad Bovalina, fiance) Hamilton, Hailey Hamilton, Andrea Hamilton; as well as his brother, Gary (Nancy) Hamilton, numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Joseph’s passions in life could be summed up by his “3 Fs”: Faith, Family, and Football. His faith was a very important part of his life. He was a member of the St. Monica Church in Beaver Falls, part of St Augustine Parish. His family was his true joy, and the love and pride he had for them were evident to everyone who knew him. And Joe loved football. Joe was affectionately known as “Coach” spending his career as a high school teacher and football coach. He was blessed with the opportunity to serve as a head coach for 49 years, coaching at Midland, New Brighton, Hempfield, and Blackhawk. While each school held a special place in his heart, Blackhawk became his absolute love and home where he spent the final 39 years of his coaching career. Joe’s legacy will live on not only through his family but also through the countless young men and women he taught and coached over nearly 5 decades.
Despite all of his coaching accomplishments and accolades, when he retired and was asked in an interview what he wanted to be remembered for, his answer was simple: “That I was a good guy.” Those words perhaps captured him better than any list of victories, awards, or accomplishments ever could. He wanted to be remembered for how he treated people, for the lives he touched, the young men and women he encouraged, the friendships he built, and the love he gave so freely to his family and those around him. And to the many people fortunate enough to know him, Joe was exactly that: a good guy.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at St. Barnabas Beaver Meadows for the tremendous love, compassion, and care they provided to “Coach”.
Friends will be received on Sunday, October 11th from 1-5 P.M. and on Monday, October 12th from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, October 13th at 11 A.M .at St. Monica Church, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls. Fr. Kim Schreck will serve as celebrant.
Interment will follow in Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the “Blackhawk QB Club” in honor of Joe Hamilton for support of scholarships given and the football program. Checks can be mailed to the Blackhawk High School Athletic Department at 500 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010 or Venmo to Blackhawk QB Club @blackhawkfootball1.
