Joseph H. Widmer, 97, of Cranberry Township, formerly of Rochester Township, passed away on October 5th, 2026, at UPMC Passavant McCandless.
He was born in Connellsville on March 19th, 1929, a son of the late Karl and Catherine Mulsalvage Widmer.
Joseph was the founder and former owner of Widmer Engineering Inc., of Beaver Falls, a former member of Faith Community United Methodist Church in Rochester, and was attending St. Ferdinand Roman Catholic Church in Cranberry. He was an Air Force Veteran during the Korean war, a graduate of Immaculate Conception Catholic School, in Connellsville, Pennsylvania and received a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Geneva College. Joseph was a former employee in engineering with Michael Baker Inc. for 21 years. He was a member of the Pennsylvania Society for Professional Engineers as well as the Beaver County Chapter of Professional Engineers. He was honored as the Engineer of the Year in 1984. He was a former member of the Rochester School Board, Rochester Township Commissioners, and former Chairman of the Beaver County Commissioners. He was the former president of the United Methodist Home in Mt. Lebanon and a life member of the American Legion.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Aloha R. (Roush) Widmer, as well as five brothers: Albert, Robert, Charles, Bernard, and Victor Widmer; as well as one sister, JoAnn Palazzo.
He is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, David H. and Linda L. Widmer of Rochester Township, three grandchildren, Jamie M., Anuskewic and her fiance, Joel Webber, Tracy A. and her husband Bryan Pratte, and Alexus L. and her husband A.J. Sieger, seven great-grandchildren, Addilynn, Sawyer, Mila, Aria, Ezra, Emmett, and Nora, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 8th, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., with a service occurring on Friday, October 9th at 10:30 a.m., at the William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester, who was in charge of his arrangements.
Officiating will be Reverend Heather J. Wakefield, of Faith Community United Methodist Church in Rochester. Interment will be held in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester. The family asks that those who wish to honor the memory of Joseph would consider making a donation to the Ronald McDonald House of Charities of Northeast Ohio in honor of his great-grandson, Ezra.
The family feels this is a beautiful way to honor Joseph while supporting someone he loved dearly. The family extends their heartfelt thanks for all of the love, prayers, and support received during this difficult time. Please make checks payable to RMHC Northeast Ohio, Ronald McDonald House Charities of NEO PO Box 72764 Cleveland, OH 44192-0004, Website: rmhcneo.org/ways-to-give/donate/ Full military honors will be provided by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #862 at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, October 9th, at the cemetery, for their fallen comrade.