Joseph Hackwelder, Jr.

Joseph P. Hackwelder, Jr., age 37, of Raritan Township, died suddenly Tuesday, August 19, 2014 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick, New Jersey. He was born January 22, 1977 in Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania and moved to New Jersey in 1987. Joe and his wife, Jennifer Hackwelder, have resided together in Flemington for the past nine years where they have cherished countless friends. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Erin Hackwelder; mother, Darlene Shaffer of Bridgewater; sister, Jody Bloom of Connellsville, Pennsylvania; grandfather, Sonny Shaffer of Acme, Pennsylvania; mother-in-law, Arlene Buhl of Branchburg, New Jersey; father-in-law, Philip Goldthwaite of Flemington, New Jersey. He will be sorrowfully missed but always remembered by his family and all that knew him. Joseph was not only a loyal and loving husband, but also a dedicated loyal father, son, brother and friend. He would go to the end of the earth for anyone he cared about. Always up for a laugh, he could bring a smile to the saddest face. He brought us up, gave us strength and he moved us in a way that was all his own. He always said, I m just your average Joe , but there was nothing average or ordinary about him. He was the best and most special person we know. Joe adored his life and spent his final days happy, at home, working on his home and farm together with his wife, and their animals. He enjoyed spending time in his garage, tinkering on quads with his friend Li l Chris, and they loved fixing things together. There was absolutely nothing Joey couldn t fix — he could build a house from the ground up and make it perfect and beautiful. He could also make a house a home by simply stepping through the door. Always being called to the rescue by family and friends, he would help without hesitation and never complain. From the age of 2, he was a little thrill seeker who loved racing his quads and dirt bikes. He was an amazing hockey player and ice skater and he was always up for having fun, whether it was fishing, camping or just walking through New Hope. He brought smiles to so many. They say the good ones go too soon. There are no words to express how deeply Joseph will be missed. Please come celebrate the time we were fortunate enough to have with him. Calling hours will be held on Friday, August, 22, 2014 from 7 pm to 9 pm in the Robert L. Ford Funeral Home, 38 Highway 31, Flemington, New Jersey with a Memorial Service beginning at 8 pm officiated by Rev. John Graf, who performed Joe and Jen s wedding. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hunterdon Helpline in Joe’s memory at www.hunterdonhc.org. For more information or to send online condolences, please visit www.fordfuneralhome.com.