Joseph DeMuro, Jr., of Mechanicsburg, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on February 28, 2026. Born on April 17, 1946 in Brooklyn, NY, he then grew up on Long Island. Joe was the son of the late Joseph and Mary (Vacca) DeMuro of Elmont, NY and Margate, FL.

Joe earned a BA in Economics from Brandeis University; elementary education teaching credentials from St. Francis College, Brooklyn; and a M. Ed from Penn State University.

Joe began his teaching career in Harlem in the late 60’s, moving to Harrisburg in 1970 to teach in the Harrisburg School District. Joe loved teaching. His insight, compassion, and creativity led him to develop opportunities for new experiences for his students such as inner-city garden projects, urban environmental education programs, and introducing computers into the elementary classroom. At 40, he decided it was time to create his own opportunity and completed the Certified Financial Planning credentialing process and started a new career. Joe spent the next 30+ years working as a financial advisor, remaining equally passionate about his work and helping his clients.

Above all else Joe loved life and his family, especially his grandchildren. The list of his enthusiastic interests is endless, among them - trips to Paris with his wife Stephanie, his garden, the stock market, all things New York City, the Brooklyn Dodgers, playing bridge. Throughout his life, Joe was an avid tennis player, even playing his last tennis match just a few months before losing his battle with chronic lymphoma. He loved to golf and introduced his grandsons to the sport at an early age; golfing with them and watching them grow into their game was one of his greatest joys. In retirement, Joe also enjoyed volunteering in his community, serving as HOA treasurer, establishing a community newsletter, and working on various committees.

Joe is survived by his wife Stephanie (Semic) DeMuro; his sons, Nathan and Joshua; grandchildren Aidan, Dylan, Lillianna, and Aspen; brothers Savino and Vincent; sister Lucy (DeMuro) Milano; and his nieces and nephews.

A public visitation will begin at 11 am on Thursday, March 12, at Wiedeman Funeral Home, 357 South Harrisburg St., Oberlin, followed by a memorial service at 12:30 pm.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the Homeland Hospice team (Misty, Helen, and Robin) who cared for Joe and supported them during the last three months.

In lieu of flowers Joe and the family request that memorial donations be made to the Gateway Down Syndrome Association in honor of Aspen DeMuro, 1201 Hanley Industrial Ct, Suite A, Brentwood, MO 63144. Gatewaydsa.org