Joseph Andrew Havern, age 88, lifelong resident of McKean, died Thursday, November 27, 2014 at Saint Vincent Hospital after a period of failing health.

Havern, Joseph AndrewJoseph was born in McKean Township on March 21, 1926, a son of the late John and Mary Hayduk Havran. He married Dolores Marie Eliason on August 14, 1965 and together they raised their family and operated the family farm on Van Camp Road. While Joseph worked for over 40 years at Erie Malleable Iron Company, retiring in 1991, he was a farmer at heart, finding great satisfaction in working the ground and raising crops, selling his produce at local auctions, and giving much away to family and friends. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and traveling short distances, but would always appreciate returning home. Joseph was a lifetime member of St. Francis Ushers Club where he enjoyed many friendships.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a daughter, Marjorie Ann McNabb, and six siblings- Elizabeth Harvey, Michael Havern, Mary Baracka, Anna Vogt, Agnes Pustalek, and George Havern.

Surviving family members include his wife, Dolores Marie Eliason Havern; four children- Jerry Lee Havern and wife Marcia of Wattsburg, JoAnn Van Cise and husband Kenneth of Erie, Holly Joellyn Vano and husband Joseph of Red Lion, PA, and Kevin Joseph Havern of McKean. His family is completed by 16 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, 22 great-great-grandchildren, many nephews and nieces, and a sister-in-law, Jeanne Havern.

Friends may visit with the family on Friday, December 5, 2014 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Van Matre Family Funeral Home, 306 Erie Street, Edinboro. Further visiting hours will continue at the McKean United Methodist Church on Saturday morning from 10:00 a.m. until time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Barb English will officiate and interment will follow at Erie County Memorial Gardens.