Joseph F. Gillmeyer Jr., 63, of Emmaus, died April 25, 2023, very unexpectedly in his home. He was the son of the late Joseph Francis and the late Grace Laurette (Jackson) Gillmeyer Sr.

He served briefly in the Navy, joining after his high school graduation.

He was previously the assistant manager at the original Yocco’s The Hot Dog King location at Sixth and Liberty streets. He served there for over three decades until its closing and then worked at the Hamilton Street location.

At the time of his death, he was the full-time shift leader at Yocco’s in Emmaus. He served Yocco’s for 38 years. In all that time he was only late for work once; the day he died. He had many friends among his colleagues and customers.

For those who were blessed to know him, he could be social and quite engaging; quick to laugh and share a smile yet then retreat to his sanctuary to process and regroup; intensely affected by the world around him; often presenting as unaffected and detached yet keenly feeling and absorbing; sensitive; much like Robert Frost’s drumlin woodchuck; fully aware of his need to retreat, to think to process to recharge until ready to emerge again to interact with the world around him, “ ... instinctively thorough about his crevice and burrow ...”

He collected coins; beer steins and “The Three Stooges” memorabilia. He preferred to watch TCM and TV Land counting “M*A*S*H” and “Hogan’s Heroes” among his favorites. He was proud of his Scottish ancestry and a lifelong learner about all things Scotland.

He loved the Buffalo Bills; Turkey Hill iced tea, ring bologna, Folgers coffee, peanut butter sandwiches and Pop Tarts, specifically strawberry without icing.

He cherished his pets and was blessed to be the steward of many during his life. He will be dearly missed by his sisters; brothers and family; and for Joe his family included Yocco’s.

He was previously a member of Cathedral St. Catharine of Siena.

Joe’s regularly scheduled day off from work was always Monday. For those who were blessed to know and love him know that it isn’t a coincidence that his funeral occurred on a Monday because the Joe we all knew and loved would insist his funeral was scheduled for his regular day off.

He is survived by Maureen, Regina, wife of the late Thomas Boka, Kathleen and her husband, Russell Lauchnor, all of Allentown; John, of Kuhnsville and Rev. Patrick, of Aurora, Ill.; nieces and nephews, Scott, Wayne, Eric, Craig, Staci, Carl and Christopher; great-nieces and great-nephews; Charlotte, Seamus, Jayleigh, Jordon, Hunter and Kellie Irene. He was predeceased by a brother, Michael.

Contributions may be made to Animals in Distress. Arrangements were made by the Robert C. Weir Funeral Home, Allentown.