Joseph Walter Bepsistos, 58, of Ashland, Pennsylvania, died on Monday, February 9, 2026, at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville following a courageous battle with kidney disease.

He is survived by his significant other of 3 years, Brandy Schreiber, and his son, Zaxton Overkott.

Born in Shamokin on September 8, 1967, Joe grew up in Overlook. He was the son of Joseph and Josephine. (Hashuga) Bepsistos.

Joe was of the Catholic faith.

Joe spent the late 1990s operating equipment at Commonwealth Environmental Services and later put in time at Harry's U-Pull-It. Eventually, he struck out on his own with J & J Transport, running towing and hauling jobs for salvage businesses in the area. Somewhere along the way, people started calling him "Junkyard Joe," and he answered to it with a smile.

Joe was a gifted mechanic with an encyclopedic knowledge of cars. Friends and neighbors sought him out when they had car trouble, and he was always willing to share his expertise or lend a hand. He could diagnose problems, explain solutions, and get just about any vehicle running again. He had a special love for muscle cars and took pride in restoration projects.

No matter where Joe went, people recognized him. That smile of his could light up a room, and his laugh - loud, genuine, infectious made everyone around him want to join in. He had a sharp wit and natural charm that put people at ease. Conversations with Joe felt effortless, whether he was talking cars, telling stories, or just making you laugh until your sides hurt.

Joe was clever and resourceful, the kind of guy who could figure out any situation. He had a gift for connecting with people and saw value in things others had written off.

Music was a big part of Joe's life. If there was a gathering of friends, Joe likely had the music turned up. When he had free time, you'd find him casting a line, enjoying the water, or heading out to a campsite.

Family was everything to Joe. He had a heart as big as his personality. When he saw someone in need, he did what he could to help. His door was always open to friends who needed a place to stay, and he gave his time and resources freely. He was thoughtful in ways both big and small, the kind of person who put real care into making people feel valued.

Nothing brought Joe more joy than his son, Zaxton. When he talked about Zaxton, his entire face transformed - pure pride, pure love. Zaxton was his everything, and anyone who spent five minutes with Joe knew it.

Joe lived fully, loved fiercely, and made the people around him feel seen and valued. His presence was magnetic, his loyalty unwavering, and his impact lasting.

Preceded in death by:

His parents, Joseph and Josephine (Hashuga) Bepsistos; his uncle, Basil Hashuga and wife Maryann (Nevis); and his aunt, Rose Lynn.

Joe is also survived by:

His cousins: Matthew Hashuga of Mount Carmel, Roseann Longenberger and her husband Mason of New Columbia, and Robin Kranzel and her husband Sam of Elysburg; many other cousins; and his best friends, Billy Mac and Chris "Gumby" Kauffman

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