Community Gathers to Remember Joe Volk

Saturday morning, friends, family and colleagues will gather at St. John's United Church of Christ to honor Coopersburg resident Joe Volk. Volk, 77, a longtime borough official and community advocate, passed away Aug. 19 in his borough home.

Volk was more than just a resident of Coopersburg. He was known around town for his involvement in the community. Volk served on borough council for eight years and the zoning hearing board for more than 29 years.

Just 10 days before his passing, Volk was honored for his years of service at the Aug. 9 borough council meeting by current board members as well as local and national government officials.

Council members kept adding chairs to an already packed room to accommodate the large crowd that showed up to honor Volk. Volk, who sat in the front row with his wife, Margaret, listened as council members talked about his passion for his home, his years of service and what he meant to his community.

"Coopersburg is a little town of possibilities, with one very big man," said council member Jack Felch. The council issued a proclamation, as did the mayor, to honor Volk for his service by proclaiming "Joe Volk Day" in Coopersburg. "He was a key player in starting [Coopersburg] Community Day," said Mayor Tim Paashaus. "It's fitting to honor him like this."

The state House of Representatives, as well as U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent, R-15th, honored Volk with similar proclamations for his "exemplary service to the community" as well as "his dedication to the community of Coopersburg."

And while the crowd cheered each accolade, Volk and his wife sat in the front row quietly and listened. A man of few words, Volk rose toward the end of the meeting to thank those who came to express their thanks for all he had done for Coopersburg. "I have always been and always will be proud to be a member of this little town," said Volk. "Thank you."

And thank you, Joe Volk. You will be sorely missed.