MITCHELLVILLE, MD - Joel Stanley Speer, 89, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, August 22, 2024. Also known as 'Joe,' he was born in Easley, South Carolina on October 20, 1934, to the late Joseph and Frances Speer. The family moved to Beacon, New York in December of 1934, where he and his sister Dorothy Ann were raised.

Joe was educated in the Beacon City school system and attended Howard University in Washington, DC, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. He went on to serve in the United States Army until 1960.

Joe worked as a chemist for Drew Chemical Corporation in Boonton, New Jersey for many years. In November 1976, he joined with Pariser Industries in Paterson, New Jersey and was a pioneer in the development of the company. He was Vice President of Manufacturing, Research and Development and after 24 years of service, he retired in November 2000.

On November 11, 1959, Joe married the late Margaret F. Dolfinger, in Fishkill, New York. The two had one daughter, Shelby Henderson, and two grandsons, Joel and Gary Henderson, of Mitchellville, Maryland.

Joe enjoyed outdoor activities including boating, fishing, crabbing, gardening, and watching animals in nature. He was a member of the National Audubon Society. He also loved to tinker with wood, metal, and cars. He had an extensive collection of tools and gadgets of every kind. You could always count on him to have what you needed to repair anything, and he would likely offer to fix it for you. Joe enjoyed his quiet moments, but also relished having his grandsons around him.

He is survived by his daughter and grandsons, and his beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, friends, and neighbors. He is predeceased by his wife and parents, his sister, Dorothy Ann Hodge, and niece, Stacy Pearson.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, September 13, 2024 from 10am-12pm at the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street, Fishkill followed by service at 12pm at the funeral home. Interment with military honors will take place immediately following at Fishkill Rural Cemetery, 801 Route 9, Fishkill.

To share a memory or offer condolences, please visit Joe's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.