Joseph Stephen Neufer

A Legacy of Service and Valor: Joseph Stephen Neufer

​Life and Career

Joseph Stephen Neufer was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, on December 5, 1943. A proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, he served during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Iwo Jima (LPH-2). His military honors included the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

​A dedicated husband and family man, Joseph’s greatest pride was his home and his loved ones. He began a lifelong career as a professional driver at the age of 22, serving as a loyal employee of Greyhound for over 20 years. Throughout his career, he logged over one million miles with an impeccable perfect safety record. He continued driving for tours and trucking until his final retirement in 2019.

​The Motel 22 Rescue

In 1973, while driving for the Ursinus College basketball team, Joseph witnessed a catastrophic gas explosion at the Motel 22 Restaurant in Huntingdon, PA. He immediately led the team into the wreckage to rescue over a dozen people. For his bravery, he was awarded a Presidential Commendation from President Richard Nixon and the NCAA Award of Valor.

​Personality and Hobbies

Known for his quick wit and love for telling jokes, Joseph was also an amateur magician who delighted in performing tricks for anyone he met. Whether he was fishing or making people laugh, Joseph’s spirit was one of service, joy, and deep devotion to his family.

​Family and Survivors

​Preceded in Death by:

Parents: Stephen and Dorothy  Neufer.

Survived by:

Wife: Mary Rapanos Neufer.

​Children: Athena Kosmach (husband Paul), Joseph Neufer Jr. (wife Moira), Anthony Patterson, and Annastaccia McCool (husband Mark).

​Siblings: Kathleen Neufer Weiser, Stephen Neufer, Brian Neufer and multiple nieces and nephews.

​Grandchildren: Alexandria Palacios, Jose Palacios, Nick Elliott, Collin, Brandon, and Ryan Neufer, Sarah Blair, Adam Hoppenyan, and Diana Lopez.

​Great-Grandchildren: Zoe, Samantha, Asa, Lex, and Mia Palacios, Arianna McCabe, Jesse Alvarado; Penelope and Briley Elliott.

Service Information

​Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation and celebration of Joseph's life:

​Date: Friday, February 6, 2026

​Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

​Location: Vazquez Funeral Home (Spring Branch)

Address: 1805 Huge Oaks St., Houston, TX 77055

His military funeral honors flag folding ceremony will begin promptly at 5:00 pm.

If you have any questions in regards to his service, please call us at 713.468.2524. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.