Joseph Strode

West Chester Community Leaves a Legacy to Causes Important to him

Joseph Strode has been working on behalf of the Chester County community for decades. He has served as a West Chester borough commissioner (even the mayor for a short time), an active volunteer and committee member of The Chester County Hospital, and a leader in local civic organizations including one near and dear to his heart – The Lions Club. He was named Citizen of the Year by United Way of Chester County. He is an active supporter of his alma mater Franklin and Marshall and is chairman of the 50th class reunion.

Joe credits his Quaker father with instilling in him the importance of hard work and service to the community. When Joe was a young man he learned the family business – the Strode Sausage Company – from the bottom up. He recalls long days with short breaks. Joe also learned the importance of giving back to his community.

When Joe and his wife drafted their wills they included organizations that were important to them. They did this for many reasons, but first and foremost, they wanted to continue the family tradition of service and inspire their children and grandchildren with an attitude of concern and generosity. Included in their will are gifts to The Chester County Hospital, the YMCA of Chester County as well as Franklin and Marshall and Mercerberg Academy. In this way, the Strode Family will continue its support of the community organizations and educational organizations that made a difference in their lives.