For living historians, the death of one of our members hits seemingly twice as hard…we not only lose the man that we have known as a beloved and loyal friend, who has always been there for us in everyday life, anytime, anywhere, no matter what, but we lose Corporal McShane, a trusted and devoted soldier, who has always been there when the 62nd had an appearance or event…

Joe and Cindy McShane joined the ranks of the 62nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Living History family many years ago, and despite not having lineage in the regiment, they have been dedicated to the cause of preserving and promoting the history of the 62nd unwaveringly…

In early September, 2021, Joe and Cindy both became ill with Covid, as did Cindy’s father…Joe had a serious bout with pneumonia several years ago, and so this illness became rapidly life-threatening…soon after being hospitalized, he was place on oxygen, and he struggled for a week…on Friday, October 1, 2021, Joe answered his “final muster” call…

For those of us who study the Civil War, and dedicate much of our lives to learning, sharing and teaching that part of our nation’s history, we have read countless accounts of “a hole in the line”, or “plugging a gap” when a comrade was down…even recounting this over 150 years after the fact, we are moved to tears as we read these things…

But when it happens in the here and now, we realize that we have lost a brother, a comrade, and a friend, leaving not only a hole in the line, but in our hearts…a gaping hole that only time can fill, with treasured memories and stories too numerous to count…

So we mourn, as a family, and we ask for your prayers for Cindy, their children, and the 62nd PVI Living History Family…

On Friday, October 8, 2021, the members of the McShane family, the 62nd family, as well as members of the Confederation of Union Generals {COUG}, the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War {PA Department Commander John Gibson}, bid a Civil War “Farewell, for Now” to Joe at English Funeral Home, located in Oakmont, PA, where Joe and Cindy spent part of their lives…

You can view Joe’s obituary at: http://www.englishfuneral home.com

If you would like to make a donation in Joe’s honor, the McShane’s ask that you send them to the Armstrong County Historical Museum & Genealogical Society, where Joe and Cindy served as volunteers…you can find the address at: http://www.achmgs.org

Thank you, and may God bless you!

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