Obituary for Joseph J Shoopack Jr.

Joseph J. Shoopack Jr., 82, of Brecknock Twp., Berks County, passed away Tuesday evening, Jan. 4, 2022, at home with his devoted wife, Beth Ann (Winisko) Shoopack, lovingly at his side.

Born in Pottsville, Joe was a son of the late Joseph J. and Josephine (Buroran) Shoopack.

Joe was a graduate of St. Clair High School, Class of 1957, where he excelled in athletics. He furthered his education at Kutztown University, where he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He continued with a second master’s degree at University of Notre Dame. His degrees were in biology, earth science and geoscience.

Known mostly as Mr. Shoopack or Coach Shoopack, he was a science teacher and head football coach for Governor Mifflin High School. He was named Coach of the Year in 1976. After retiring from Mifflin, he taught as an adjunct professor at Penn State University, Berks Campus.

An avid sports fan, Joe enjoyed most watching the Eagles, Phillies and Notre Dame.

Joe dedicated much of his time to service within his church community, serving as bishop and stake patriarch for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He quietly touched many lives through his service and humility.

In addition to his wife, Beth Ann, Joe is survived by his four children, Joseph J. Shoopack III (Julie), of Hemet, Calif.; Lori J. Schwartz (Eliot), of Ridgefield, Conn.; Tracey A. Shoopack (Tim Albright), of North Beach, Md.; Amy B. Elmore (Simon), of Denver, Pa. He is also survived by his dear brother, Richard Shoopack and his wife, Ines. Joe is survived by his many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will carry his legacy forward in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

To celebrate Joe’s life, a service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 14, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3344 Reading Crest Ave, Reading, PA 19605. Interment will be private in Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven, Pa. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Brigham Young University Scholarship Funds at https://donate.churchofjesuschrist.org/donations/byu/scholarships.html?cde2=799&. Arrangements made by Good Sipler Funeral & Cremation Centre Inc., Reamstown (Stevens), Pa.; www.goodfuneral.com.