Josiah Mark Christophel, 22
August 26, 2024
Josiah Mark Christophel, 22, of State College, and formerly of Lititz, passed away unexpectedly on August 26, 2024. Born in Quarryville, PA, he was the son of Todd and Janet (Wagner) Christophel.
Josiah was a 2020 graduate of Warwick High School, and a 2024 graduate of Penn State University with his bachelor’s in Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations. He worked as a Cyber Information Assurance Analyst for Penn State’s Applied Research Laboratory – his dream job. Josiah was a talented trumpet player and played in his high school marching band, Penn State Blue Band, and even played in the Rose Bowl parade of 2023. Josiah is remembered as compassionate, humble, and empathetic.
In addition to his parents, Josiah is survived by his brother Andrew, paternal grandfather Levon Christophel, maternal grandmother Jean Wagner, and aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased by his paternal grandmother Virginia Christophel and maternal grandfather John Wagner.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, September 2, 2024, at 11 AM at Grace Church, 501 W Lincoln Ave, Lititz, PA 17543. The family will receive guests beginning at 10 AM. Flowers and cards can be sent directly to the church.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
September 01, 2024
Dearest Janet, Todd, and Andrew, I am heartbroken to hear of your dear son’s passing. It is such a shock to get this kind of news. May God give all of you peace, comfort, and strength in the days ahead. Keeping all of you in my prayers. Love and hugs, Esther Weaver
August 31, 2024
Josiah loved the Lord. He would attend The Salt Company (Christian fellowship) every week with a notebook and pencil at hand during my senior year at Penn State (his freshman year). I had the honor of going through the Gospel of Mark with him. He was hungry to know more of God, and he always asked excellent questions and listened very well. He was compassionate, and I enjoyed hanging out with him.
I remember when he started getting into chess and it made me so excited. He was a brilliant, kind man that knew his need for Jesus Christ.
To the family – I cannot imagine what you are feeling right now. I’m crying with you, but I know you’re crying harder. I’m grieving with you, but I know you’re suffering in your grief. Know that Tragedy doesn’t ruin us… Hopelessness does. May you find Hope and Peace knowing that Josiah made it through the race that we are all on… it was just so much shorter than we all would have hoped. Tomorrow is not promised to any of us. That’s why we must live for what is most important — to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Continue to place your hope in our Resurrected King who conquered sin, Satan and the grave, for your redemption, and you will see Josiah again. Josiah – you will be dearly missed from this side of heaven. I look forward to seeing you in eternity with the Triune God of the universe where we can play all the chess we want. So long my brother… Until we meet again.
Danny Caban
August 31, 2024
Todd, Janet and Andrew,
My heart has been aching ever since I heard of Josiah’s unexpected death. Once again I’m reminded that God has all of our days numbered and that each day given is a gift. I pray the Lord will comfort you all❤️
much love,
Deb Murray
August 31, 2024
Todd, Janet and Andrew…..our most sincere condolences to each of you as you grieve the loss of Josiah. He sounds like an amazing young man who touched the lives of many in a caring and positive manner. We will keep each of you in our prayers and pray God’s peace will comfort you. Jeff and Brenda Eshelman
August 31, 2024
I did not know Josiah, but I am crying as I write this. My heart goes out to his family and all who knew him.
John M
August 30, 2024
I never knew Josiah but I had been praying for this young man’s quick recovery ever since I drove by his accident on Benner Bike on that miserable day. Its just devastating. I had been praying for his quick recovery ever since, until the news confirming his sad demise. My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family . Sending lots of love and healing prayers. May God heal all your hearts. ;-( Fly high Josiah ❤️ Zahra Khan
August 30, 2024
Todd, Janet, Andrew, and family,We are terribly saddened by the loss of Josiah. Please accept our condolences to the whole family.Josiah was kind, funny, helpful, understanding, and a joy to be around, both in person and online. We will always remember the hours spent talking, laughing, playing, and enjoying good food and weather with him.For Chris, Josiah was a true friend who was always there to talk, ever since the fourth grade. For Chris, Ben, Joseph, and Josh, Josiah was an irreplacable teammate, companion, and friend. We will miss him dearly.The Conrad family
August 30, 2024
Todd, Janet, and Andrew
We have been thinking of you ever since we learned of Josiah’s accident and death. As you know with your mother, Todd, those we love don’t go away; they live beside us every day.
Don and Elaine Brubaker
August 30, 2024
Good afternoon, I am Ginny Christophel’s cousin, she and I grew up together many years ago. I just heard about this and want to extend my deepest condolences to the entire family. I can totally understand the shock and pain you are all experiencing right now because I lost my 26-year-old grandson Daytin on October 27th, last year, in a motorcycle accident. Please know that your distant family members care very deeply about you and your loss. Sincerely, Joy Miller
August 30, 2024
Oh my heart is broken for the family, saying goodbye to a loved one, especially a beloved son or daughter, is built into us to be not accepted…….because we know deep in our hearts that goodbyes are not meant to be! When I read about his calmness and how he was able to spread peace and cheer to those around him , I thank God for his sweet spirit. Please, God, be near this family. Comfort, oh comfort your people….especially his dear mom and dad and brother. Send your peace that passes understanding, in Jesus name. Lynne Keller
August 30, 2024
Janet, Todd and Andrew,
We are so sorry. I’ll always remember little Josiah as our kids played; his cute smile and his quiet demeanor. There are no words that can really bring comfort for the loss of a son and a brother. Please know you are in my prayers daily and I will continue praying for you all. Please accept our condolences. Kevin & Jessi
August 30, 2024
I am deeply saddened by Josiah’s death. As his coworker, I didn’t know Josiah well, but I am grateful I knew him. He was engaging, dependable, and helpful. May the Lord be with you in the midst of this tragic loss.
Daniel
August 29, 2024
We will continue to lift you, Janet, and Andrew up in prayer as you walk through devastating journey. I never met Josiah, but he looks so kind and someone who would be a friend to many. May you experience a supernatural peace – that only God can give – over the next few days, months, and years ahead.
Mitch and Alli Swords
August 29, 2024
I knew Josiah mostly from my involvement with the music program at Warwick. He was a good guy. He was one of – if not the best – trumpet players I knew. I am remorseful that we never got to play together since. He will be remembered for his dry humor and ear-to-ear grin. I hope that every trumpet in the world will each embody a piece of Josiah’s legacy. Let us not forget the preciousness of life as we mourn the loss of this one so priceless, and I will continue to pray for you all as we share the burden of this loss together.
N
August 29, 2024
Andrew, Janet , and Todd…. words can not express our heartbreak with this news. Thoughts, and prayers are with you in comfort as you navigate your loss/grief. Josiah’s life should be celebrated…With sincere condolences,
Tanner(dear friend of Andrew), Olivia, Amy, & Shawn Weik-Weit
August 29, 2024
Janet and Family,
I am at a loss for words at this tragic loss. My heart goes out to you with Love and sympathy. Prayers for comfort peace and healing.
Mary L Zerbe
August 29, 2024
I’m deeply saddened to receive this terrible news. Anyone friends with Josiah admired his genuine personality and contagious laugh. I will treasure our many memories growing up in Lititz and at Warwick.
My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Miss you man.
Parker Keares
August 29, 2024
Josiah had the most inquisitive mind. His morals were high, and he always wanted to form deeper connections other people. The world has truly lost a promising young man, and an even better person.
Allison Johnston
August 29, 2024
I had the pleasure of meeting Josiah at ARL when he was the lucky one to work on my laptop. He was quiet and respectful, so I was able to calm down and not get frustrated at the issues I was having. He explained eveyrthing he was doing and was so patient with me, I was amazed at his expertise and his demeanor, especially at such a young age. My thoughts and prayers to the family, as Josiah made a lasting impression professionally and he will be greatly missed.
Melanie
August 29, 2024
Hey Josiah! We never met in person, man, but you were an absolute rock star on the phone. I normally asked for you when I needed help on things. You were super locked in when we needed things done, and you always followed up to make sure things were kosher. I appreciate you.
You brought a degree of levity and fun to every effort we worked together on. I’m sorry I’ll never get to pay you back with that lunch I promised.
To the family– I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers.
Ian Ershen (PSU-ARL)
August 29, 2024
I remember very clearly the first time I met Josiah. I was frustrated with my work laptop melting down on a day with back-to-back meetings, and I came storming into the help desk office ready to make sure everyone knew it. Josiah took my ill temper in stride, treating me with kindess and a gentle smile despite my (very) visible irritation. His demeanor was contagious; his calm, steady presence helped me to relax and take a few much-needed deep breaths. Josiah quickly set me up with a loaner laptop and took the time later that day to make sure everything was working appropriately. For someone so young to exhibit such grace under pressure is rare, and I grew to learn over time that those foundational traits—patience, kindness, empathy, respect—were hallmarks of who he was. I am so profoundly sorry for your loss. Josiah will be deeply missed at ARL.
Molly M.
August 29, 2024
Josiah was sharp, effective, and good at his job. He helped many of us at ARL. My condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones.
J. L.
August 29, 2024
Josiah was a talented person and a pleasure to have known, if only briefly, through work. The ARL family mourns his passing.
Ethan
August 29, 2024
Hi Janet and Family,
I only knew Josiah from some of the family reunions, but he was certainly seemed a happy active teen in all respects. I can tell from all the other comments that he was well loved by many, including in Band and in Orchestra. I am praying for the entire family as they grieve and remember Josiah, as we all are.
Kurt
August 29, 2024
Todd and Janet I’m so sorry to hear about the death of your son. I’m holding you both in prayer. May God give you all that you need as you continue to deal with this great loss to you and your family.
Nancy Kauffmann
August 29, 2024
Although I only interacted with Josiah once at work, he left a positive impression on me with his kindness and patience. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Josiah
Terrell
August 29, 2024
I was deeply saddened to hear about Josiah’s passing. Although I didn’t know him very well, I will always remember his kindness, intelligence, and the admirable person he was. He made a lasting impression on those around him with his humility and compassion, and it’s clear that he touched many lives in his time here.
My heart goes out to your family during this difficult time. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Josiah’s legacy will undoubtedly live on in the memories of those who knew him.
Amelia Brown
August 29, 2024
He was an absolute gift to ARL and will be greatly missed. Our condolences.
August 29, 2024
I am heartbroken by this news. So very very sorry.
Kathy Miller
August 29, 2024
Janet, Todd and Andrew – We are beyond devastated with Josiah’s passing. He was simply everything. Kind, funny, compassionate, loyal, smart… To know him was to love him. Cole was beyond blessed to have him as his best friend, and he was like a second big brother to Kendall. Our hearts are utterly broken for you. We are praying for you and will cherish our all-too-brief time with him forever. Please know that we are here for you and always will be. Love, the Penkunas family
August 29, 2024
Our hearts are breaking for you.
love,
Edgar & Liz Buckwalter
August 28, 2024
Gonna miss you man. You did so much for me. Ive got some ways to carry on your legacy dont worry.
August 28, 2024
A friend I remember being very close with in highschool. Our friendship may have been short, but I have only met few as humble, encouraging and understanding as Josiah. One of the few people to reach out to me years after graduating, and still just as kind as ever. No matter what anyone says, he was something you don’t always find. He was a good guy, with a good heart.
S
August 28, 2024
Todd, Janet, Andrew and family, we are very sad to hear about Josiah. Please receive our deepest condolences. We will always remember Josiah as a very positive, talented and amazing young man. We will miss him! We are here if you need anything.
Warm regards,
Rosa, Steve & Stephen Fetterman
August 28, 2024
Our Hearts break for your family. Josiah was such an amazing young man. Our prayers will be with you Todd, Janet and Andrew. We will be here for you in these coming days, weeks, and months ahead.
Scott and Tina Wanner and family
August 28, 2024
Josiah and I were never truly close.
He and I were in Show Choir together at WHS and he always tried his best to put his best foot forward and put in 120%, always. He was always kind, compassionate and I appreciate him for that.
Some folks here may have better, more specific memories of him, but I will always remember his kindness at heart.
Tay
