Joseph Peter Werner of Dresher, PA passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026 at the age of 91.  He was surrounded by his devoted daughters and loved ones until the end. Known for his hard work, good nature, love of all things Philadelphia Eagles and always guided by his Catholic faith, Joe lived a long and wonderful life and will be missed by his loving family and friends.

Joe was born in Drexel Hill, PA on July 24, 1934 to Helen and John Werner. He grew up in a devoted Catholic family, the baby brother to John and Joan. He attended St. Charles Borromeo School and later was a West Catholic Burr, proudly reminding us that he graduated in 1952, "The Year of Champions". Joe was always a hard worker, from his days as a paper boy, to flipping pancakes at Linton's, to being a checker at Penn Fruit. After high school, he worked and attended Temple University and the Insurance Institute of America until 1957, when he was called up to enter the United States Army.  Joe served in Germany for two years as assistant to the commander, not to be confused with a fellow soldier in his battalion Elvis Presley! He enjoyed travel throughout his time there, and his adventures were central to his storytelling for years to follow.

After returning stateside in 1959, Joe continued his career in insurance and went to work at Pennsylvania Manufacturers Association, or PMA, in downtown Philadelphia.  There he would spend many years establishing a respected career and winning the friendship of endless colleagues. Shortly after, he met the love of his life, Mary Ann Cyzewski, a kindergarten teacher from Fishtown, at a dance. He followed her down the shore while she was on her family vacation, and found her on the beach in North Wildwood. After a whirlwind romance including dancing to the Bandstand hits, they married the spring of 1960 at Holy Names Church, and settled in the Lawndale section of Northeast Philadelphia. As Joe continued his insurance career, he attended the University of Pennsylvania at night and soon welcomed a daughter Cheryl, and later a daughter Denise. Always the ultimate girl dad, his hair was often in rollers, his nails were painted, and he was happy to play Barbies or to go along shopping anytime. He was always up for leaving the office to meet his girls in town at the Wanamakers eagle for a Bookbinders lunch or Vesper Club dinner. In 1970 the family moved to the Philadelphia suburbs to Dresher, PA and Joe continued his career with Maguire Insurance Agency, where he continued to forge new roads and establish his position in the insurance industry. He became an active member of St. Alphonsus Parish where his girls attended school serving on the school board, teaching faith formation and remaining a parishioner for over 56 years. He loved working in the garden devising methods to deter the deer and rabbits, tinkering in the garage and spending summer nights playing badminton and croquet with the family. He continued being a devoted father picking up from every dance, attending every activity, and was always ready with a dad joke. Endless trips down the shore, watching Philadelphia sports, especially his Eagles and Notre Dame football, and playing golf filled the years. Joe continued as an accomplished insurance executive finishing his career with ECS, where he brought his lifetime of experience in the industry and continued to mentor colleagues and make friends for life. Soon came weddings, retirement and grandchildren. Joe continued staying active with weekly golf games with high school friends, luncheons with a trove of work colleagues and enjoying his family. And of course  Joe was the ultimate "Poppy" to his 3 beloved grandchildren for 36 years, and later even enjoyed 4 great grandchildren. But always most important was his Mary Ann. They spent their remaining years enjoying time together visiting the kids in PA and CA, spending summers in Longport, dining out, going to the casinos and Las Vegas and spoiling the grandchildren. The years sped by and they lovingly cared for each other until  after 60 years of marriage, Joe lost his beloved Mary Ann in 2020.

Though devastated by his loss, he started a new chapter living at Gwynedd Estates, or Green Acres as he called it lovingly. Finding the perfect fit, he enjoyed making many new friends and enjoying life each day. He spent hours talking and laughing, and enjoying activities like his Rosary Group and Science Club. An avid card and game player, he found the perfect place to end his days with all the Pinochle, Pokeno and Rummikub he could handle. And of course everyone there will remember him for ending each meal with a chocolate chip cookie or his beloved orange sherbet.

Joe will be deeply missed as a devoted husband, a loving father, a passionate fan and a loyal friend.

Joe was the beloved husband of the late Mary Ann (nee Cyzewski) Werner and the loving father of Cheryl DeSimone (Christopher), and Denise Greenberg (Thomas).  He is the grandfather of Timothy DeSimone (Rachel) and Emily DeSimone, and  Kristina Bingham (Frank). Joe is great grandfather of Dominic and Sebastian DeSimone and Freyja and Aurelia Bingham.  He is also survived by his sister,  Joan Langan (nee Werner).

We invite you to celebrate Joe's life on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Maple Glen, PA. The family will receive guests beginning at 10:00 AM, followed by a Christian Mass of Burial at 11:00 AM.  Interment will follow at Washington National Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers contributions in his memory to Monument Crisis Cente