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Joseph Daniel "Joey" Taptich left this world on Aug. 25, 2026, surrounded by the people who loved him most, country music, and shared words of love from family and friends who couldn't have the privilege of being there.
Joey was born on Sept. 17, 1999. He is survived by his wife, Hannah (Aumiller), of Reedsville, his parents, Dan and Susan, of Belleville, his sister, Anna and her fiancé, Daniel Hockenbury. Also surviving are maternal grandparents, William Fusetti and wife, Jean, of Beaver Falls, and paternal grandmother: Pauline Wilson, of Lewistown; father and mother-in-law: Christian and Sarah Aumiller, of Reedsville; as well as sisters-in-law: Emma Luke; Mya Aumiller; a niece, Gia Luke; and a number of special loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandfathers: John M. "Jack" Wilson, Daniel Taptich; and a grandmother: Judy Fusetti.
Joey was a 2018 graduate of Mifflin County High School. He earned a four year ROTC Scholarship and joined the Nittany Lion Battalion at Penn State. Joey continued to pursue his dream and was accepted as a West Point Cadet in 2019. He was a 2023 graduate of the United States Military Academy where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army. After West Point, Joey attended the Naval School Explosive Ordinance Disposal in Destin Florida, where he was the Honor Graduate for Class 24-220S. Now a 1st Lieutenant and an EOD Tech, Joey was stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia where he served as 2nd Platoon Leader for the 38th EOD Company. There, he developed training and directly oversaw the training of three EOD Teams. Joey also supported VIPPSA (Very Important Personnel Protections Support Activities) throughout the globe. He gave EOD guidance and expertise to the United States Secret Service, directly supporting POTUS, VPOTUS and other dignitaries.
Joey was so much more than an Army officer. Above all else, he was head over heels in love and completely dedicated to his wife, Hannah and she to him. Hannah was devoted to every second of Joey's care and comfort for the past seven months. The sacrifice and pain she endured was a tribute to her love for Joey, who happened to be her favorite person in the world. For Joey, family was everything, and friends were family. His special bond with his sister Anna brought great joy to both. He had the ability to use logic, wit, compassion, kindness and sarcasm to comfort or motivate whatever the situation required. He happily gave his time, expertise and resources to whomever needed him, whenever they needed him. Most often he did so humbly and without recognition.
Joey had a passion for fitness, UAP theories, Blink 182, country music, the outdoors, golfing, cooking, "gaming", wrestling, fishing, hunting and keeping the best company.
Joey was an exceptional son, brother, husband, friend, student, soldier, leader, citizen and follower of Christ. He passed without having the opportunity to realize his full potential. His passing has created a void that all who knew him will forever struggle to fill. The memorable good times that he created will help.
Heaven just got a little more fun.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, Aug. 30 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Henderson-Bohn Funeral Home, 6880 SR 655, Reedsville, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic Church, Lewistown, PA on Monday, Aug. 31 at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at the Machpelah Cemetery, Belleville, PA.
All are welcome to Joey's home following burial for lunch and celebration of his love for life.
If you so choose, donations may be sent to the American Cancer Society to research for the benefit of others.
Arrangements are under the care of Henderson-Bohn Funeral Home, 6880 SR 655, Reedsville. Online condolences can be made at www.hendersonbohnfuneralhome.com.