Joel L. Eshleman, 50, of Mountville, PA, passed away on Friday, February 10, 2023. He was the loving husband of Danielle (Ciccocioppi) Eshleman, and father of Kylie and Kaleb Eshleman.
Joel was born in Lancaster and raised by his parents, James L. and Irene H. (Hammer) Eshleman in Lititz, PA where he learned to love baseball, dirt bikes, and shooting hoops. Pick-up games became a way of life as he worked to follow his brother, Jamie’s footsteps. Joel later excelled in basketball at Warwick. He continued to share his love basketball throughout his lifetime by coaching various HYA rec, travel, and AAU teams.
Upon graduation, Joel attended Northampton College. Shortly after, he began working at Y&S Candies, a division of the Hershey Company, where he remained a steadfast and hard-working employee at the time of his passing.
Above all else, Joel was a dedicated family man. His number one priority in life was loving and taking care of his wife and children. His favorite past-time was travel with his family. Joel would research and plan endlessly to find all the best places to go and sights to see. Of all the things Joel did, husband and father are roles he was born to play. Nothing lit up his smile or made him more proud than watching his children grow up and being a part of all that they did.
Besides travel, Joel was passionate about sports and music of all types. He was a diehard fan of his favorite teams since childhood and he loved to talk sports stats and analyze games. Joel and Danielle often attended sporting events, concerts, and enjoyed seeing local musicians playing live. Music was a big part of any gathering with family or friends.
Joel had many amazing gifts. The first of these was the ability to form a connection with people. He was selfless in his love of others. Joel positively glowed when he was spending time with “his people”, whether that was playing softball, shooting pool, coaching, cheering his children, or catching up with friends over the years. Another gift was his story-telling ability. You cannot think of Joel without an epic adventure or entertaining story. And, boy, did he have a quick wit. If you were with Joel, you knew you were in for fun and laughter. Lastly, he gifted all with steadfast support and consistency. He was simply someone you could count on without fail.
Though Joel was taken far too soon, he lived without regret. He worked hard. He lived and loved hard. He told family and friends what they meant to him. He traveled and did the things he wanted. If we can learn a lesson from Joel it would be to say the things, do the things, and take the trips because nothing is promised.
In addition to Danielle, Kylie, and Kaleb; Joel is survived by his parents, Jim and Irene Eshleman; a brother, Jamie Eshleman (Jennifer); aunts: Mary Gockley and Mildred Schofer; uncles: David Eshleman, Rick Eshleman (Mary), and Bruce Eshleman; nieces and nephews: Mason Eshleman, Morgan Venti (Anthony) , Madison Daggett, Noah Daggett, Clifford Brian, Jr, and Martin Brian; and many cousins. He is preceded in death by grandparents and numerous aunts and uncles.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Service at Hempfield United Methodist Church, 3050 Marietta Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17601, on Thursday, February 23rd, 2023 at 6:00 PM with a visitation and refreshments to follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joel’s memory may be made to the Pennsylvania SPCA Lancaster Center. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit: www.DeBordSnyder.com.
Jimmy Brubaker says
I would just like to say its been a long time since Ive seen Joel.I used to play on the Red Raiders w him.
I fell to drugs early in childhood.
I was sad to see this,because even then,Joel was 2 things;
A.smiling.
B.leading.
I am terribly sorry for your family’s loss.
Jim Serfass says
Eshelman Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. He was a great person to know. Please let us know if there is absolutely anything we can help with. Thoughts are with you all.
Vicki and Jaime Redcay says
Joel will be truly missed by all his Y&S friends! We loved him dearly. He was always positive and made you smile! Joel it’s never good bye, but see you again some day!
JOHN KLESSINGER says
SO sorry to hear about Joel didnt see for awhile but we texted now and then , when growing up he lived across the street and was her many times and also took him to hershey park and football games at hershey ,was a good friend of my son wig, growing up., the Klessinger family of lititz.
Mary Jane and Lou Knocke & family says
Our deepest sympathy to all.
Alison and Matt Hennesy says
Joel coached our 12 year old son the last two years through HYA travel basketball. Our family was deeply saddened to hear of Joel’s passing. His love of basketball along with his passion for coaching shined bright. His light will be missed.
Our condolences to your family during this difficult time.
The Hennesy Family
Joseph #45
Steven Keenen says
“Joel was a fellow co-worker and I’d like to say;friend. He was fun to work with and I will miss him. I pray only the good lord’s best for the rest of his family.”
Steve Keenen
Anne Lusk says
I am so very sorry for your loss! I remember Joel being one of my brothers earliest and longest friends. He was a bright light and a fabulous athlete and human. My deepest condolences .
MaryBeth , Wilbur Eck and Alexis Myers -Martinez says
So very sorry for your loss . Joel will be forever missed.
Leah Fawber says
Joel was truly a great man, a gentle soul, always smiling, always happy to lend a helping hand or a sympathetic ear. He will honestly be missed by everyone that he met. Until we meet again my friend.
Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time.
Michael Calhoun says
To Jim, Irene, Jamie ,
All of you were a big part of my life growing up and I am so saddened about the loss of Joel . We take comfort in knowing that our loved ones are taken care of in the afterlife. And I know he is . I will honor Joel and all of you by remembering all the great times we had together. Much Love to Jim, Irene , and Jamie
My Deepest Condolences
Todd Barclay says
My sincere condolences on the loss of Joel. We shared many of conversations in the years that we worked together at Y&S and waiting in the car rider line at Mountville Elementary school. He was full of life and lived his family very much. The world is a lesser place without his presence. RIP my friend
Rosann lowry says
To Jim and Irene, my deepest sympathy to both of you.
Angie M Hiltz says
I worked with Joel many years ago when I was at Y & S Candies. I’ll always remember him with a smile on his face. He was truly a caring guy with a heart of gold. My thoughts & prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time. May he rest peacefully.
Jason Paul says
My deepest condolences to Joel’s family. I met Joel back in the late 1990s at Gold’s Gym in Lancaster. Always a great guy to talk to, and we shared some of the same high school friends since I graduated from Manheim Township. We kept in touch over the years via social media. I was devastated to hear about Joel’s passing. Truly a great guy.
JoAnn Reisinger says
Danielle, May God give you, your children and family strength to go on without your beloved Joel in the upcoming days, months and years ahead.
Joel will be missed by many.
God Bless you all.
A coworker at Y&S Candies.
KAREN Raezer says
My deepest sympathy to Danielle, Kaylie and Kalab. I met Joel when he started at Y&S Candies. Got to know him pretty well until my departure on 2008. Had alot of good times hanging out with him and talking to him after his first marriage broke up. Not long after he met Danielle and that’s all it took. They married and had their children. Till we meet again my friend
Dolores (Bo) and Paul Bartholomee says
My Heartfelt Condolences go out to Joel’s family. He really was a good person to work with. Very helpful. I will truly miss that smile.
Gone far too soon. I pray for his wife and children, to be strong. Always remember the wonderful times you all shared.
RaeAnn Gonzalez says
Danielle and Family,
No words can express how sorry I am for the loss of Joel.
Joel was an amazing person. I started at Y&S with him almost 29 years ago. Whenever in his presence you were guaranteed a good laugh and always a big smile. You will be truly missed my friend.
Larry Grimm says
So sorry to hear about Joel, we saw each other a couple times since high school but we kept in touch through Facebook. Joel was a good guy who even though it had been awhile since we saw each other when we did run into each other it was like we had just seen each other recently and just started talking about things going on in life. He will be missed .
Cindy Keller says
Joel you will be very missed . You were the kindest and nicest person I know always lending an ear and helping anyone out that has an issue. I will miss you relieving me everyday at work and talking about whatever it didn’t matter what you always listened and gave your advice.
My prayers go out to you family rest in piece my friend.
Jeff Noll says
Joel was such a good hearted person. If you needed anything he was there no questions asked. I needed help in moving into my house in mountville. Joel was there with his pick up after work it was just the three of us Joel my dad and I so I introduced him to my dad they got along as they were both great men. Last week I lost my dad and a great friend in the same day prayers for the family.
Tracy Yonce says
Joel, it still hard know you are not with us at Y&S. You always had a smile on your face and truly put smiles on everyones face. It won’t be the same without you. I still look to see your smiling face as I punch in and go onto the floor. You truly will be missed. Prayers to your wife, kids and family. This isn’t goodbye. Until we meet again. ❤
Tim Brown says
So sorry for the loss of this Good man…my condolences to his loving family ….he will surely be missed by many many people who loved him…
Lisa Ortiz says
Joel was an amazing person inside and out. He was taken from us too soon but he will never be forgotten. I will truly muss working with him at Y&S candies. My thoughts and prayers goes out for his family. R.I.P
Lisa Ortiz says
Joel Eshleman was an amazing person to work with at Y&S. He always went out of his way to help every one and anyone. He will truly be missed but never forgotten. My thoughts and prayers goes to his family. Until we meet again R.I.P.
Ed and Sharon Quinn says
Jim and Irene:
So sorry to see the passing of your son. I know how very hard it is to lose a child; my son Brian passed four years ago at the age of 54. (Sharon). Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please accept our sincerest condolences.
You know us from Chestnut Point.
Austin J. DeBord says
Thank you for always believing in me Coach Joel. I will miss you.
Austin DeBord
Jennifer Elias (Stouch) says
So very, very sorry. My deepest condolences to Joel’s family and friends.
I remember Joel from high school. My dad would take me to Warwick boys basketball games, and I remember the team and those days fondly. May God rest his soul.
Nakia Jordan says
WOW I am so so soooooo sorry for your loss. This is just ………….I can’t fathom what has happened here. May God give you and your family the strength to move forward such a great person and friend.
Joe and melissa cruz says
You are and will be missed always. Thoughts and prayers to your family. Taken far to soon. Till we see you again fly high my friend❤
Diandra Edmond says
I am so sorry for your loss. Joel was the perfect example of husband, father and friend. He had a great spirit and could make everything seem so easy. He will truly be missed by all who have come to know him.
Mark Bauer says
So sorry and my deepest sympathies go out to your family and loved ones. Joel welcomed me as a new baseball teammate coming in from another school. It was his senior year and my sophomore. I’ll never forget how he made me feel welcomed and a part of the team immediately and was my “big brother” for the season. Following Joel on social media, he never changed. Always happy and extending himself to kids and others, as well as a fine example of a family man. He will be sadly missed by everyone he touched. Sending prayers and sympathies to all whom were close to him.
Kurt and Deb kreider says
Jim and Irene are prayers are with you
Holly Pofi says
Dear Danielle, I’m so so sorry for the loss of your husband! He was taken way to soon. I hope time will help you to heal! Praying for you and your family!
Holly Pofi