Joseph Thomas Sefcik

January 18, 2017

Joseph Thomas Sefcik, 1920-2017, formerly of Harrisonburg, VA, entered into the church triumphant on January 18, 2017. A native of Johnstown, NY, Joe graduated cum laude with a BA from Park University, Parkville, MO and a M.Div. from Princeton Seminary, Princeton, NJ. Ordained in 1945, Rev. Sefcik served as minister to First Presbyterian Church, Amagansett, Long Island, NY (1946-48); Park Hill Presbyterian Church, Little Rock, AK (1948-54-organizing pastor); Ward Parkway Presbyterian Church, Kansas City, MO (1954-1963); and First Presbyterian Church, Harrisonburg, VA (1963-1985). During his ministry, he worked in leadership roles at the Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly levels, church conferences, Youth Club, and Massanetta Springs. Upon retirement, he served as interim pastor at twenty-seven churches and volunteered as a chaplain at Rockingham Memorial Hospital, VA. Rev. Sefcik served as a true pastor with constant devotion to the lives of others. He lived and preached the message of salvation in Jesus Christ and that through God, all persons are equal and loved. He served faithfully in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection of eternal life. His death is an occasion for rejoicing so whether near or far, one appropriate response would be to sing the Doxology.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Karol and Johanna; wife, Yvonne; son, Munro; sisters, Velma and Rose and a brother, John. He is survived by his daughters, Janna Hensinger and husband, Larry of Lexington, KY, Nadja Sefcik-Earl and husband, John of Charlotte, NC, Karla MacKenna and husband, Jay of Atlanta, GA and his son, Joseph Sefcik, Jr. and wife, Eugenia of Orlando, FL and five grandchildren; Mackenzie, John Thomas, Thomas, Sarah, and Andrew.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on January, 29 2017, at 2:00PM, at Cooks Creek Presbyterian Church, 4222 Mt. Clinton Pike, Harrisonburg, VA 22802.

Memorials can be made to, Yvonne T. and Joseph T. Sefcik Endowment Fund, Massanetta Springs, 712 Massanetta Springs Rd., Harrisonburg, VA 22801, Hospice and Palliative Care, 1420 E. 7th St., Charlotte, NC 28204 or Avondale Presbyterian Church, 2821 Park Rd. Charlotte, NC 28209.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth Poe Funeral & Cremation Services, 1321 Berkeley Ave Charlotte NC 28204. Online condolences at www.kennethpoeservices.com Phone: 704 641-7606

 

 

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  • Bonnie L. Paul

    I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Rev. Sefcik. I appreciate being able to work with such a fine man and community leader for a brief few years. Bonnie Paul

  • Bonnie L. Paul

    To the family,
    I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Rev. Sefcik. I had the pleasure of working with this fine man and leader for some years. He gave so much to this community and cared about his family. A wonderful life. I am glad I shared a small amount of it. Al the best to his family. Bonnie Paul

  • Nancy Webster Lowder

    Nadja and Family,
    I just learned of your father's passing from a cousin of mine. He and First Presbyterian were a huge part of my formative years in Harrisonburg. I pray that he and your mother are united once again and have joined with Munro in eternity. Thinking of you all. Nancy

  • Tam Weaver Blattner

    Words seem incomplete to describe what your parents meant to my family. Your Dad lived his promises to God in every way that he served people with love, compassion and care. He was so proud of each of you! Your love, care and support demonstrates those qualities that he endeared in each of you. I can't imagine what it was like to grow up being the child of a minister but you survived with self confidence and caring for others. I think of him joyfully reunited with his life partner and their youngest son. What a glorious day!! Love and comfort to each of you....Tam