Joseph C. Beers

Joseph Cambridge Beers, 83, formerly of New Cumberland and Lower Allen Twp., passed away peacefully, with his sister by his side, on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. He was the son of the late Luther and Marjorie (Wert) Beers, born on November 27, 1941, in Harrisburg.

If you lived in New Cumberland, chances are you knew Joe. Growing up in the borough, he spent more than 30 years working at Industries Limited, an organization dedicated to providing employment and training for those with mental and/or physical limitations. This entity would later become CIT, or the ARC of Cumberland & Perry Counties. He was upbeat and friendly, talked with anyone and everyone, and he wore a smile just about all hours of the day.

For years, it was nearly impossible to travel through town without spotting Joe on his bicycle, complete with an orange safety flag waving behind him. Dressed daily in jeans and a baseball cap with his scanner clipped to his hip, he enjoyed checking in at his favorite go-to spots around town: the Capital City Airport, Kumpf’s Automotive, the New Cumberland Fire Department and Rowe Screen Print. Over a three-year period, Joe's parents tracked his routes, which added up to 6,124 miles. He was a familiar face at Cedar Cliff sporting events and Friday night football games (often chatting with the EMS crew or in line at the Williams French Fries truck), and he also enjoyed spending time at the Lower Allen Fire Company. Whether attending parades or NC Town Band concerts, he was a proud supporter of his hometown. His presence was so well-known that even on trips to Niagara Falls and Virginia, people recognized him and asked, “Where’s your bike?” You couldn’t travel far enough away where someone wouldn’t recognize one of New Cumberland’s finest ambassadors.

When his father passed away, he continued living with his mother, and the two helped one another remain as independent as possible. Beyond helping her with chores and other daily tasks, Joe kept mom in “the know” regarding the latest town news and gossip. He was a dog-lover, ate pretty much anything, rarely complained, and had a great sense of humor. He loved trips to OCMD with his sister’s family and adored his beautiful nieces. In 2009, he moved in with his sister in Allendale, and for the last couple years, he resided at Messiah Lifeways in Mechanicsburg, where he unsurprisingly made new friends and brightened the lives of the staff.

At a time when individuals with mental limitations were often institutionalized, Joe helped educate and inspire his community, demonstrating the importance of inclusion and kindness. His warm heart and infectious smile will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Joe is survived by his sister, Rebecca Lingenfelter (John) of Camp Hill; nieces, Amanda Krotzer (Kyle) of Dillsburg and Meredith Craley (Lee) of Etters; and great-nephews, Declan, Beckett, Asher and Beau. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Phyllis Williams; and great-nephew, Talin Krotzer.

A visitation will be held from 10:30AM until a memorial service begins at 11:30AM on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at Parthemore Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Cumberland. Inurnment will follow in Rolling Green Cemetery, Camp Hill.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Joe’s name to either the New Cumberland Fire Department at www.newcumberlandfire.org, or to the Lower Allen Fire Company at www.lowerallenfire.com.