Joseph F. Gillmeyer Jr., 63, of Emmaus, died very unexpectedly April 25, 2023, 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 high school graduation.

He was previously the assistant manager at the original Yocco’s, 6th and Liberty Sts., Allentown, working there more than three decades until its closing.

He then worked at the Hamilton Street location.

At the time of his death, he was the full-time shift leader at Yocco’s, Emmaus.

Having 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, he often presented as unaffected and detached yet keenly feeling and absorbing, sensitive, much like Robert Frost’s “drumlin woodchuc,” 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 Three Stooges memorabilia. He preferred to watch TCM and TV Land, counting MASH and Hogan’s Heroes among his favorites.

He was proud of his Scottish ancestry and a lifelong learner about all things Scotland. He loved his Buffalo Bills; Turkey Hill Iced Tea, ring bologna, Folgers Coffee, peanut butter sandwiches and his 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.

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

His survivors are Maureen Gillmeyer, Regina, wife of the late Thomas Boka, Kathleen, wife of Russell Lauchnor all of Allentown, John Gillmeyer of Kuhnsville, and the Rev. Patrick Gillmeyer of Aurora, Ill. He was the proud uncle of Scott, Wayne, Eric, Craig, Staci, Carl and Christopher and the great-uncle of Charlotte, Seamus, Jayleigh, Jordon, Hunter and the recently arrived Miss Kellie Irene. He was predeceased by his brother Michael.

Donations may be made to Animals in Distress.

Arrangements made by Robert C. Weir Funeral Home, Allentown.