Obituary for Joseph H. Murton
Joseph H. Murton, 72, of Lewisburg and formerly of Lock Haven, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday while camping Black Moshannon State Park in Centre County, PA, with his companion, Nancy Hazlinsky.
Born in Pottsville, on May 22, 1950, he was a son of the late Joseph and Catherine (Rolenitus) Murton.
He graduated from Nativity BVM, Pottsville, Class of 1968; studied Liberal Arts at Wilkes University, Class of 1969; graduated from Pottsville Hospital School of Nursing, Class of 1977; studied Biological Sciences at Saint Vincent College, Class of 1983; and studied Podiatric Medicine and received his DPM from Temple University, Class of 1987. He had a private podiatric practice in Lock Haven, PA, from 1987 to 2013.
Joseph started his career as a Registered Nurse in Pottsville and then practiced Podiatry in his own practice in Lock Haven for several years. He returned to being an RN Supervisor at in 2014 at Manor Care Health North, Williamsport PA and its successor Williamsport North Rehabilitation and Nursing Center until his time of death.
He had a long love of traveling to state and national parks where he enjoyed his favorite hobby, geocaching. He collected patches and stamps from the state and federal parks he visited. He loved spending time outdoors and being in the woods. He purchased a motor home last year and was planning future trips across the country with his companion and their two cats.
Joseph was very dedicated to the Boy Scouts of America having earned his Eagle Scout Award with Troop 15 at St. Patrick R.C.C., Pottsville and then served as Scout Master there for a time and later in Clinton County, where he also served on the local Boy Scout Council for many years. He led many Scouts to earn the Catholic Religious Awards in BSA and was involved with Indian Run District leadership. While Scout Master he encouraged and led many outdoor activities for the Scouts in his troop, including summer camping at Camp Shikellamy and Camp Nisatin. Joseph was last involved with the Susquehanna Council of BSA. He still continued to collect Boy Scout patches from troops around the country.
He was a member of the Reading Buccaneer Drum and Bugle Corp, where he played the bass drum and continued to remain active with their Alumni.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Francis A. (Cook) in 1994; and brother, George A. Murton in 2021.
Joseph is survived by a son, Matthew W. Murton, of Pottsville; a sister, Kathleen T. Walters, of Orwigsburg; granddaughter, Ashlynn N. Fuller; and Nancy Hazlinsky, his companion of 13 years.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, September 26th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, 319 Mahantongo St., Pottsville, with Father Phil Rodgers as celebrant. A viewing will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of service in the church.
Interment will follow in Our Lady of Calvary Cemetery, Pottsville.
The family request contributions in Joseph's memory be sent to: St. Patrick R.C.C., Boy Scout Troop #615, 319 Mahantongo St., Pottsville, PA 17901.
Lord-Bixler Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be expressed at lordbixler.com
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