Joseph Leroy Free
November 20, 1940 ~ July 9, 2026
Born in: Meadville, Pennsylvania
Resided in: Cochranton, Pennsylvania
Joseph Leroy Free, affectionately known as “Cool Joe,” 85, of Cochranton, passed away at home on July 9, 2026, surrounded by his family.
Born on November 20, 1940, in Meadville, he was the son of the late Joseph H. Free and Ann Yursic Free. On July 1, 1967, he married the love of his life, Sally Leigh Walton. Together they shared 52 years of marriage before Sally’s passing in 2019.
Joe proudly served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division, specializing in engineering. After his military service, he enjoyed a long career, including 18 years with Talon, Inc., and retired from Diamond Custom Homes, Inc. in Washington, PA.
He was a social and outgoing man who enjoyed local clubs, hunting, fishing, boating, and camping. Competitive by nature, he loved horseshoes, bowling, card and board games, and spending time on his side-by-side and trike. He also enjoyed visits to the casino, gardening, and canning. Known for his quick wit and wonderful sense of humor, he brought laughter to those around him and always had a joke to share.
He leaves behind his daughter, Sonya Whitbred and her husband, Will; his cherished grandsons, Owen and Ethan Whitbred; and his siblings, Betty Rissel, William L. Free (Roxanne), John H. Free, Paul T. Free (Doris), Douglas J. Free and his beloved fiancé, Sandi Kerschner.
In addition to his parents and his wife, Joe was preceded in death by his son, Joseph “Little Joe” Free; and his siblings, Barbara J. Kustes, Patricia E. Walls, Charles E. Free, and David R. Free.
As per Joe’s wishes, there will be no public services. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of Ryan M. Warren Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 544 Chestnut Street, Meadville, PA.
The family extends its gratitude to the staff of Aseracare Hospice, especially Aslan, for the care and support provided to Joe during his final days.
Please take a moment to share a memory or condolence with the family on Joe’s Book of Memories online at WarrenFH.com.
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So many memories, camping, water skiing, jamboree in the hills. Snowmobiling and square dancing. Always fun with Dally and Joe. You will be missed, say hello to my dad, sure you to be joking around. 🤗xoxo
Heartfelt condolences Sonya and family. World would be a better place with more folks like Joe. ( definitely a more fun place ). Way too many great adventures! (No doubt that would have killed an ordinary man ). The one that sticks out were the trips with Joe and Louie to the New River Gorge on Bridge Day ! And a Heavenly Kudos to Sally a good hearted woman in love with a good timen man.
So sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. My sincere condolences to Sonya and family and Sandy. I just saw Joe a few weeks ago and asked how he was doing. He said “hanging in there”. He always had a smile and that is what I will remember about him. RIP my friend!