Joseph L. Elia

Joseph L. Elia, 83, of Exeter, passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Maryann W. (Gross), with whom he celebrated 63 years of marriage in January.

Born in Reading to the late Louis "Pittsburgh" Elia and Catherine (Guzzetti) Elia Neiman, Joseph graduated from Central Catholic in 1957. Joe began his career with Firestone Tire & Rubber of Pottstown before joining the Reading Police Department in 1969, retiring in 1999 as a Detective Sergeant. From 1999 until 2009, Joe served in the Berks County Sheriff's office as a County Detective. He retired fully to enjoy his true passion—being a grandfather.

Joseph was a true family man, especially treasuring the time spent with his grandchildren. He loved the beach, particularly Dewey Beach. He was a fan of the Phillies and the Eagles.

Left to treasure Joseph's memory is his wife, Maryann; their children: Barbara A. Potts (Dana) of Mt. Penn; Joseph P. Elia (Cheri) of Reading; Christopher S. Elia (Tami) of Exeter; Christina A. Shaaber (Jeffrey) of Wernersville; and Michele A. Vitelli (Stephen) of Myerstown; and grandchildren, Dante, Nicholas, Hannah, Jonathan, Kristina, and Vincent. He is also survived by his brother, Thomas Neiman (Rene) of Sanatoga; his brother in law, David Gross; and his brother in law, Roger Anderson, widower of Joseph's sister, Vincenzina Anderson. He was also predeceased by his step father, Harry Neiman.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Joseph's parish, St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church, 151 N 9th St, Reading, PA 19601.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the Gethsemane Cemetery's Chapel of St. George, 3139 Kutztown Rd, Reading, PA 19605, with committal to follow. Visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. at the Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc, 739 Penn Ave, West Reading, PA 19611. Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.