Joseph William Reese, Jr.

Joseph William Reese, Jr. entered into life December 10, 1936 and then entered into Eternal Life on March 25, 2025. He made a valiant effort to overcome a long illness.

Joe was born to Joseph W., Sr. and Edna Mae Reese in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He married Elaine C. Stefanik, October 19, 1957. After Elaine’s passing in 2006, Joe married Katherine J. Brannon on April 14, 2009.

Joseph worked tirelessly as he and Elaine had three children and wanted to do best by his family. He went to school part-time in addition to a full-time job to earn a bachelor degree in Business Management from Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio.

A member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fort Walton Beach, Florida since 1968, Joe was very active in his faith in addition to the church board. He was a man of deep spiritual practice, not in words as much as deeds. He attended daily Mass and his prayer life was intense. Joseph had a profound devotion to the Blessed Mother as she was the closest person to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

He served in the Air Force as a young man, being drafted, and moved from Johnstown, PA to Columbus, OH. After the military, he found positions with firms who contracted with the military and ultimately became a regional salesman of electronic equipment with an office in Fort Walton Beach.

Joe loved life after retirement as they traveled in the recreational vehicle. He has gone across the states and in between. He was a regular camper who went on monthly trips throughout the year with his “RV buddies.”

Joseph is survived by his wife, Katherine J. Reese; and children, Theresa, and Martin (Melina) Reese; daughter-in-law, Teresa Wydro-Reese; stepchildren, Katie Masciola (Phil) and Patrick (Debra) Brannon; grandchildren, Shannon Parker, Joseph L. Reese, and Joseph W. Reese, IV; step-grandchildren, Mary Kate, Anna, Andrew, and Adam Masciola, and Kyle (Maiya) Brannon; great-grandchildren, Jacob Locklear, Natalie Locklear, and Lily Reese; as well as, great-great-grandchild, Lily Locklear; along with step-great-great-grandchild, Ryland Brannon. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Rose Reese; his brother-in-law, Raymond (Maria-Marlene) Stefanik; his cousin, Grace Etta Lux; and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.

He Is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph W, Sr. and Edna Reese; sister, Catherine (2014); brother, Thomas R. Reese (2017); his wife, Elaine C. Reese (2006); his son, Joseph W. Reese, III (2011); and his great grandson, Maddox Parker (2021).

Funeral service will be Monday, April 7, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on 110 St. Mary’s Avenue in Fort Walton Beach, Florida at 10:00 a.m., beginning with a visitation, followed by Rosary at 10:45 a.m. Visitation continues at 11:15 a.m., while at 11:30 a.m. Mass commences. A reception will follow at St. Mary’s Family Life Center.

Funeral arrangements directed by Davis-Watkins Funeral Home at 113 Racetrack Road in Fort Walton Beach, Florida (850) 864-1822