Joseph A. Byerwalters 78 went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with his loving family by his side on July 4 2009 after a brief but valiant battle with Mesothelioma. He was born July 16 1930 in Troy New York to John and Ethel Byerwalters. He was one of seven children including Ethel Burdick John Balfoort Mary King Frankie Byerwalters and Richard Byerwalters (all deceased) Theresa Murphy of New York and Shirley Widay of Maine. After praying to God to send him a ""Rose"" for a wife he was blessed in marriage to Sharon I. Wolcott on March 3 1962 at St Francis De Sales Church Utica New York. The ""Rose of Sharon"" was an answer to his prayers. Out of their love they had four children: Tina Byerwalters (Daytona Beach) Anne (Byerwalters) Joslyn (Whitesboro New York) Aaron Byerwalters (deceased) and Joanne (Byerwalters) Roberts III (Daytona Beach). Following 30 years of marriage mom was called home to be with the Lord Jesus Christ on Mother's Day May 10 1992. Despite many obstacles dad worked extremely hard and diligently at providing for his family. After working for 17 years for Hanyan-Higgins Co. in Utica New York he was injured and permanently disabled. He grasped the opportunity to return to school and earned an Associates degree in Advertising Design from Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica. After having been out of school for more than 40 years he graduated with honors as a Phi Theta Kappa member. During his time in college he was especially proud of the mentoring he was able to provide to his fellow peers who were significantly younger than him. During his life he demonstrated great mercy for those in need. Together with our mom they assisted in the re-location process of the Vietnamese Community in Utica New York during the 70's and 80's. They were blessed to be Godparents to more than 20 children. Throughout his life Dad was known for identifying those in need and assisting them in ways that truly demonstrate the love and kindness of Jesus Christ. This demonstration of merciful and humble behavior has forever impacted the life and faith of his children and others. Dad leaves behind his three daughters Tina Anne and Joanne and spouses Thomas Joslyn and William Roberts III; seven grandchildren Katrina and Rochelle Byerwalters Nicole Alexis and Jordan Joslyn and William Sharon (deceased) and Lauren Roberts. He also leaves behind a special nephew Michael Anderson whom he helped to raise. The family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Volusia/Flagler County Hospice for the service and support provided to our father and family during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Volusia/Flagler County Hospice. A funeral Mass will be held 9:00 a.m. Wednesday July 8 2009 at Basilica of Saint Catholic Church Daytona Beach. Visitation will be Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a Parish wake service at 6:00 p.m. at Baggett & Summers Funeral Home in Daytona Beach.

""Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh the joys of those who trust in him."" Psalm 34:8