Joshua Nathaniel Rhone

Joshua Nathaniel Rhone, 43, of Hersey, passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh after a short battle with liver disease while awaiting a liver transplant, with his family at his side. While our hearts are heavy, we know that he is in heaven, reunited with his mom and grandfathers and no longer in pain.

Born on Thursday, September 9, 1982, he was the son of the Rev. Douglas W. Rhone of Clearfield, and the late Rev. Karen (Nelson) Rhone.

Josh was a 2002 graduate of Clearfield Alliance Christian School. He graduated from Houghton College with his Bachelor’s degree in 2004. Ever the scholar, Josh graduated from George Fox University with his first Master’s degree in 2006 and with his Masters of Theology degree in 2012. On June 12, 2004 Josh married his beautiful wife Crystal, the love of his life. Together they faced many new opportunities, life events and challenges together. He would say one of the most challenging and rewarding things they faced on their journey together was parenthood. As a father, he did his best to pass along his love of God, others, music and food to his children.

Josh was ordained in the Wesleyan Church but most recently served in the United Methodist Church Conference. Josh dedicated his time and ministry to Hanover First United Methodist Church, Zion United Methodist Church in York and was recently appointed to First United Methodist Church of Hershey when he became ill. Josh ministered outside of the four walls of the church as well, often connecting with the homeless and those who were questioning Jesus’ realness in their lives on the streets of where he lived.

Josh always enjoyed being active in the outdoors. Whether playing basketball or soccer with local leagues, kayaking or hiking with his family. Josh always enjoyed a good challenge; from weaving a random word of the week from a friend into his sermons, attaining higher levels of education or engaging in a debate with his children. He enjoyed being humorous and unpredictable, one never knew what his Christmas or holiday attire may consist of, from silly sweater vests to Hello Kitty sweaters. Josh enjoyed visiting libraries and looking for good books or good vinyl. He enjoyed good food, going to the beach, and vacations with his family. Josh held many roles in this life as a pastor, helper, listener, author, music lover, foodie, and goof ball. His most treasured roles were that of husband, father, son, brother and friend.

In addition to his wife of 22 years and his father, Josh is survived by his children, Quinton and Maddie; his siblings, Zach Rhone and his wife, Maria, and Catie Colesar and her husband, Nick; his father and mother in-law, Ben and Donna Palumbo; his brother-in-law, Paul Palumbo and his wife, Kate, many nieces and nephews, and his grandmothers, Patricia Rhone and Janet Nelson. He was also preceded in death by his grandfathers, Donald Rhone and Sherman Nelson.

The funeral will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, August 2, 2026 at First United Methodist Church of Hershey, 64 West Chocolate Avenue with the Rev J.P. Bohanan officiating. The body will lie in state one hour prior to the service. Following cremation, burial will be held privately.

The family will receive friends at a visitation from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at Panebaker Funeral Home & Cremation Care Center, Inc., 311 Broadway, Hanover.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Josh to Quinton and Maddie’s college funds. Please make checks payable to Crystal Rhone and send c/o Doug Rhone, 1525 Village Road, Clearfield, PA 16830.