Joseph J. Bichler, 66, volunteer firefighter
Joseph J. Bichler, 66, of Marlton, a volunteer with Evesham Fire-Rescue for more than 30 years, died Monday, Oct. 31, following a heart attack that day in his driveway.
Joseph J. Bichler, 66, of Marlton, a volunteer with Evesham Fire-Rescue for more than 30 years, died Monday, Oct. 31, following a heart attack that day in his driveway.
The agency reported that on the previous day, Sunday, Oct. 30, Mr. Bichler was among firefighters who had handled two events, one at 1:02 p.m. and the other at 11:40 p.m.
"Joe was a very active volunteer" with the Evesham Fire Department, "for more than 33 years and continued to ride weekly duty crews," a department statement said. "Over the years, Joe also mentored many members, helping to sustain volunteerism in our organization. Joe's presence will be missed."
Assistant Chief Mark Westcott said that though Mr. Bichler was in his mid-60s and held a full-time job, "he was one of the more active members," both as a firefighter and as an emergency medical technician. "He was willing to help anyone at any time."
Mr. Bichler graduated from the former St. George High School in Pittsburgh and was a Navy electronics technician on the destroyer Holder from 1968 to 1976, which for a time was in combat off Vietnam.
He returned to a career as a manufacturer's field representative, first from his home in Pittsburgh in the late 1970s and since 1983 from his home in Marlton, daughter Jennifer Pirrotta said..
His sole employer, she said, was Physio-Control, a manufacturer of external defibrillators and emergency medical response equipment, for which he serviced material in New Jersey.
Besides his daughter, Mr. Bichler is survived by his wife of 43 years, Phyllis; sons Jason and Justin; daughter Jordann Bichler; a brother; a sister; and four grandchildren.
Viewings were set from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, and from 8 to 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 7, both at the Bradley Funeral Home, 601 Route 73 S., Marlton, with a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Monday, at St. Mary of the Lakes Church, 40 Jackson Rd., Medford.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.bradleyfhmarlton.
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