Joseph "Joe" Pete passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at the age of 85. Joe Pete was born on June 2, 1940 in Lebanon, Pennsylvania to Peter John Pete and Pauline Rose (Loddo) Pete.  He attended and graduated from Lebanon Catholic High School where he was actively involved in athletics playing football, basketball, and baseball nicknamed "Joey, the Jet."  Shortly after graduation he attended LaSalle University briefly before enlisting into the United States Army. He served overseas in France supporting the Army's Finance Branch in post-WWII Europe.

After his return, Joseph was employed by the First National Bank while he also coached the St. Mary's Grade School Boys Jayvees; during this time, he met his future wife Ann Frances Kirkwood.  Joe and Ann were married on September 6, 1969 in Lebanon.  They spent their marriage making memories with their family at 217 Mifflin Street-a home filled with laughter and love. Joe and Ann celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary shortly before her passing on December 7, 2021.

He loved to watch and chat about sports, being an enthusiastic follower of his favorite Philadelphia teams—the Eagles, Phillies, Seventy Sixers, Flyers, and Penn State.  Joe enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his beloved wife, Ann, and outings with his children and sisters. Joseph retired from Penn National after more than 32 years. He was an active member of the St. Cecilia's Parish of Lebanon and a man of unwavering faith.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann (Kirkwood) Pete, son Andrew Pete, his youngest daughter, Mary and his older brother, John James Pete.  He is survived by sisters Lucy (Pete) Reigle; Ruthann (Pete) Nelson; and Teresa (Pete) Dowling of Myerstown along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Joe was the father of Carolyn Pete of Lebanon, PA; Anthony Pete (Cassandra) of Hummelstown, PA; James Pete of Portsmouth, RI. Grandfather to Matthew, Alex, Nyla, Nora, Isabella, William, Victor, and Samantha.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at St. Cecilia's Church, 202 E. Lehman Street, Lebanon PA 17046. Interment will follow at St. Gertrude's Cemetery. Viewing hours will be held prior to Mass from 10-11 AM at the church. Thompson Funeral Home, Inc. is entrusted with the arrangements.  The family welcomes your memories and messages in our online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com