Joe Earl Crick, 78, of Mechanicsburg, PA passed away on January 8, 2025. Born in Crawfordsville, Indiana, Joe was the son of John and Earlene (Brasel) Crick. Joe and his beloved wife Janet met in high school and recently celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary. Joe and Jan raised their three children Jen, Jessie, and Josh in three states — Massachusetts, Iowa, and New Jersey. They retired in Pennsylvania in 2015.
Joe studied math and teaching at Indiana State University. After a short teaching stint with a junior high math class, Joe taught in the math department at Indiana State. He went on to get a master’s degree and a doctorate degree from Harvard (he wouldn’t want us to mention that but we’re proud of him so we kept it in). He was hard-working but made sure to inject moments of levity during his career working in the computer departments at UMASS Boston, ACT, and the National Board of Medical Examiners.
Joe grew up around farming and participated in 4H, raising sheep and cattle. He spent his free time enjoying books, computers, statistics, math and logic puzzles, and solving problems. Born a Hoosier, he was destined to love basketball. He followed many teams over the years, cheering for the Boston Celtics, University of Iowa, and any team in Indiana (lately he loved following the Fever).
Despite never learning to swim, Joe spent 26 years volunteering with the local swim club in New Jersey. He worked on scorekeeping and records and helped to computerize swim meets for over 30 clubs in South Jersey. Every summer we joked that our house became the “swim hotline” for anyone who needed help with the swim meet software. Long after “leaving Jersey”, he was still involved in his namesake swim meet that has run for over 30 years. Joe and Jan connected with a whole network of families in the swimming world and made lifelong friends.
Joe was a caring, kind, and generous man who loved his family well. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather and friend to everyone. He had a great sense of humor and never took himself too seriously. He took a genuine interest in the lives of his family and friends and people he met in the community. He was loved beyond words.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents and sister Doris Martin. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife Jan, sister Toni Reinke, brother Jeff Crick, daughters Jen Klose (Dave), Jessie Shankovich (Anthony), son Josh Crick (Cheryl) and his seven beloved grandchildren; Riley, Carson, Kyan, Keaton, Kayden, Miriam, and Maisy.
Visitation is scheduled for Friday, January 24, from 10AM – 11AM at Enola First Church of God, 9 Sherwood Drive, Enola, PA 17025. A funeral service will follow at 11AM.
In lieu of flowers and in the spirit of Joe Crick, memorial gifts may be directed to a charity of your choice.
The Sullivan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Crick family.
5 comments on “Joe Earl Crick”
Joe was a warm, intelligent and deeply caring person. I’ll always remember him, his friendship with Bob Brennan that developed at Harvard, his strong love for family and friends, his gentle way with children, and his “management by walking around” philosophy at NBME. And today on this cold winter’s day, I’ll remember him wearing short sleeves at the office throughout the winter because he said Philadelphia wasn’t as cold as what he had become used to growing up – that is, until one February day, when we were all flabbergasted to see him in long sleeves! With a twinkle in his eye, he smiled and simply said “it’s finally cold”. Understated and humble, Joe had a positive influence on others that will endure.
My condolences to the Crick family. I worked for Joe Crick at the National Board of Medical Examiners from 1993 until Joe retired. Joe was a one of a kind leader, and someone who my fondest memories are of at the Board. He is still missed by myself and my colleagues even this many years after he retired.
Joe was a very special person who loved to make you laugh and a great friend . We met as young new condo owners and shared many adventures and great game nights. While I cannot physically attend his memorial service the whole family is in my thoughts and prayers and give all of a big virtual hug! God bless.💕Ginny
Joe and Jan moved next door to us 9 years ago. The first time I saw him, I said, “Joe! You look like Santa Claus” to which he gave a BIG hearty laugh and responded, “I’ve been told that many times!”
Joe adored our golden lab, Bailey, and the feeling was mutual. If Bill would be out walking Bailey, even though Joe might be seat belted in his car ready to go somewhere, he would stop, jump out of the car and give Bailey a good tummy rub, even if it was raining. He never passed up a chance to pet his good buddy.
Anyone who knew Joe knew what an incredible story teller he was. He would share funny stories with us and have us laughing for quite a while.
We were blessed to know Joe and he was a great neighbor, friend and a wonderful cook. Rest in heavenly peace, Joe. We will miss you, but we know you are still sharing hilarious stories and entertaining the angels.
Jan and Family,
What a tremendous write up of a very interesting guy! I thoroughly enjoyed Joe during the few times I was in his company, especially talking about books.
Please know you all are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Beth Rountree