Joe Barge Cope

Joe Barge Cope July 9, 1943 – March 22, 2025 Joe Barge Cope, 81, of Waldorf, Maryland, and formerly of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at his home on March 22, 2025. Early Years Joe was born on July 9, 1943, in Lancaster, PA, while his father, Paul R. Cope, was serving in the Pacific Theater in New Guinea during World War II. His parents, Paul and Elnora B. Cope, had married on October 4, 1942, while Paul was on leave from the Army. During the war, Joe and his mother lived with her parents, Witmer and Elnora Barge, on their Strasburg, PA, truck farm for over two years until Paul returned home after his discharge. In the years that followed, Joe lived on his grandfather Amos Cope’s farm and attended elementary school in nearby Landisville, PA. School Years The family later moved to Willow Street, just south of Lancaster, where Joe attended Lampeter-Strasburg High School. He graduated in 1961, excelling academically and playing varsity basketball. During his summers, Joe worked on local farms, gaining a strong work ethic that would serve him well throughout his life. College Years Joe attended Pennsylvania State University from 1961 to 1965, earning a degree in Meteorology. While at Penn State, he joined the Pi Kappa Psi fraternity and spent his summers working as a Meteorology Intern at the Middletown Airport Weather Station. This hands-on experience helped him secure a Meteorologist assignment in the U.S. Navy and later a long career with the U.S. Weather Service. Military and Career Joe proudly served in the U.S. Navy for three years, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade before being honorably discharged. Following his service, he worked as a meteorologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for 35 years before retiring. Retirement and Interests In his retirement, Joe remained an avid reader and a devoted history enthusiast. He found great joy in studying the past and sharing his knowledge with family and friends. Family and Legacy Joe is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Deanna Deleon Cope; his son, Joseph, and his wife, Sonia Deleon, of Vista, California; his daughter, Christina, and her husband, Stacy Coombs, of Lusby, Maryland; his brother, Pete, and his wife, Cynthia Cope, of Mount Joy, Pennsylvania; and his sister, Judith, and her husband, Robert Sterner, of Downingtown, Pennsylvania. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Elaine Bartolome (47), Melissa Deleon (40), April Johnson (30), Tiffany Coombs (29), and Catheryne Coombs (25); and four great-grandchildren: Adam Bartolome (26), Elise Bartolome (21), Bryan Gibbons (6), and Avigail Gibbons (4). Additionally, he leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart. Joe’s warmth, intellect, and unwavering love for his family will be deeply missed by all who knew him. The family welcomes any additional stories or memories you would like to share. Please feel free to comment and share your cherished moments with Joe—your words and memories will bring comfort and joy to those who loved him.

Joe Barge Cope

July 9, 1943 - March 22, 2025