ERIE, Pa. – The Penn State Behrend Department of Athletics said goodbye to a devoted member of the basketball community with the passing of longtime supporter and clock operator Joe Henderson on July 21, 2018. He was 76 years old.
Henderson graduated from Harbor Creek High School, class of 1959, and earned a Bachelor's degree in Education from Slippery Rock University in 1963. After one year at Belle Valley Elementary, he continued his career at McDowell Senior High School, teaching Physical Education and Health, retiring in 1997 after 33 years. During that time, Joe coached many sports including football, golf, tennis, and wrestling. He umpired high school softball and rec leagues for many years and was well known, respected and loved. Joe also ran the clock for men's and women's basketball at Penn State Behrend for 26 years.
In 2013, the department presented Henderson the Richard Dill Outstanding Service Award for his dedication to Behrend Athletics for nearly three decades.
Friends may call at the William D. Elkin Funeral Home, 65 S. Lake St., North East, on Thursday from 6-8 and on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8, and are invited to attend a funeral service on Saturday at 11 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 30 Clinton St., North East. Interment will be at North East Cemetery.