Joseph P. Kolter

Joseph P. Kolter, 93, Harrisburg, formerly of Daugherty Township, passed away at the Hershey Medical Center on September 8, 2019. He was born September 3, 1926 in McDonald, OH, son of the late Stephen and Frances Kolter.

Joseph graduated from New Brighton High School, Class of 1944. During the time between his junior and senior year Joe enlisted in the Army Air Force. He proudly served his country from 1944 to 1947 during WWII. Following his Honorable Discharge he returned home and was a member of the American Legion Post, New Brighton for 55 years and a member of Veteran of Foreign Wars, Beaver Falls. Joe was also a past member of the Optimist Club and Sons of Italy.

In 1949, he married his lovely wife Dorothy (Gray) Kolter at St. Joseph Church, New Brighton and was blessed to enjoy 62 years of marriage before her passing. Joe earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Geneva College in 1950.

He had a diverse career in business and public service. Joe was an Accountant, a Teacher and Roller Skating Rink Manager. He served as a New Brighton Councilman from 1961 to 1965, until winning the election for State Representative. He served in the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives from 1969 to 1982. During his tenure, Joe served as the Chairman of the Transportation Committee. He was subsequently elected to the Ninety-eighth Congress of the United States and to the four succeeding terms. He served from January 3, 1983 to January 3, 1993. Joe loved to watch all of the Pittsburgh teams play sports.

A few career highlights of which he was most proud: Joe worked with the Governor’s Office of Communications and was a sponsor of legislation instituting the use of 911 for all emergencies in Pennsylvania that was signed into law by Governor Milton Shapp in 1978; he arranged the purchase of the New Brighton Armory for $1.00 dollar from the State of Pennsylvania for use by New Brighton, which is now the New Brighton Borough Building; he secured funds to build the New Brighton-Beaver Falls bridge form the transportation committees in the State and United State Congress.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his loving wife Dorothy and his brother John Kolter.

Joe was a loving family man. He raised and is survived by three sons: Joseph Kolter Jr., MD. and his wife Rebecca of Gilbert, AZ; James Kolter, MD, and his wife Pamela of Spring City, PA; David Kolter and his wife Carla of Hummelstown, PA and one daughter: Julie Kolter of New Brighton; seven grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. Joe is also survived by his sister: Josephine Milligan of Sewell, NJ; and one brother: Robert Kolter, New Brighton; and many nephews and nieces and extended family.

Friends will be received on Monday, September 16, 2019 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the SAUL-GABAUER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 273 Route 68, Rochester (adjacent to Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Mausoleum.

Military Honors will be presented by members of the Beaver County Special Unit at 1 p.m. followed by a brief service to remember, honor and celebrate his life. Private interment will be in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park. On line condolences may be offered at www.saul-gabauer.com