Joseph I. "Joe" Hamilton, II

Joseph I. “Joe” Hamilton, II, 78, of Cogan Station, passed away Sunday, April 28, 2024 peacefully at home. Surviving is his loving wife of 25 years, Susan (Caputo) Hamilton. Joe’s family is happy to know he is once again enjoying banana splits in Heaven, without the bananas, of course.

Born January 28, 1946, in Williamsport, he was a son of the late George W. and Catherine R. (Pepperman) Hamilton.

Joe's journey began when he left school early to contribute to the family farm. It was there, amidst the fields and machinery, that he honed his remarkable work ethic and learned the valuable skill of fixing broken things—a talent that would define his life. He was employed at both Sheddy and Sintex and later retired as a Heavy Equipment Operator from the Lycoming County Landfill, retiring in December of 2007.

Joe’s dream in life was to own a tractor and become a puller. Sue and Joe found a 1937 John Deere tractor one day with a tree growing through it. They decided to buy it and spent the next three months restoring it together. This was how Joe’s love of John Deere tractors began.

His dream became reality as he often participated in tractor pulls throughout the area a few times a year. Joe was a man who knew how to save money in order to spend it on things he really wanted, such as adding to his collection of toy John Deere tractors. He was also extremely proud to be one of the founders of the Trout Run Tractor Club, creating the club in 1998, and serving as the current Vice President. He also could be found at other local tractor pull events and participating in parades. Joe's enduring love for John Deere tractors, a theme that ran through his entire life, reflected his appreciation for tradition, excellence, and the simple pleasures of rural life.

Surprisingly, he was a man who loved the beach, enjoying three yearly trips to Chincoteague where he may have been the only man on the beach in long pants and work boots. He relished in the outdoors, from fishing trips with Captain Matt to taking his gun for a walk in the woods. He also enjoyed many outings and excursions with Sue where the destinations were endless, from Bass Pro, to New York, Missouri and beyond.

Above all else, Joe was a family man who would do anything for those he loved. He was a caring husband and a loving father and grandfather, often being called “Pappy Put-Put.” The sight of Joe atop a gleaming John Deere was a symbol of joy for his family, and something that he cherished deeply. He and Susan were also proud to plan and run their annual Hamilton family reunion, creating more memories together every single year.

Surviving in addition to his wife are three children, Kendra Brown (Cliff) of South Williamsport, Keri Hamilton and Joseph Hamilton, III, both of Williamsport; two step-children, Mike Bieber, of Montgomery, and Randy Bieber, of Ottumwa, IA; five grandchildren, Aaron, Jeffrey, and Joshua Hamilton, Wesley Brown, and Dylan Long; a brother, David Hamilton; two sisters, Shirley Selders, and Mary Albright; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by five brothers, John “Pete”, Donald, LeRoy, George, and William Hamilton; and three sisters, Betty Yarison, Joyce Hamilton, and Alice Tubbs.

A funeral service to honor the life of Joe will be held 11 a.m., Thursday, May 2, at Sanders Mortuary, 821 Diamond St., Williamsport. Burial will follow in Woodward Township Cemetery. A viewing will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service, Thursday, at Sanders.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joe’s name to the Trout Run Antique Tractor Pullers Association, 5010 North Way Rd., Williamsport, PA 17701.

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